Funchal, Portugal – June 2023 - “Arise!” is the title of the original musical created by the Art&Sal amateur theatre company  at the Don Bosco Youth Centre run by the Salesians at Funchal. “In a world where selfishness reigns, where altruism is scarce and the definition of humanity fades, this is the musical we ‘wanted’, to raise awareness among young people and everyone in general to change things,” explained the members of the theatre company. Inspired by the figure of Pope Francis who appears among the characters of “Arise!”, and his texts and various interventions during his pontificate, the show tells the story of two young women from different family and social backgrounds who will learn essential values such as solidarity and fraternity. “Arise!” has its own script, staging, production and original music, and has involved months of work by the cast and crew. The show had four performances at the Madeira Congress Centre in Funchal, on 27, 28 and 29 May, with two sessions dedicated to schools on the island, for a total of about 2,000 spectators. For the young people of the theatre group the preparation period was enriching, an opportunity to make new friends and strengthen existing ones. Art&Sal is something that the entire cast highlighted, both among those who were already part of it, and among those who debuted. “We believed in it and were able to take the project forward and show the audience that life involves humility, understanding, care and attention, not only for ourselves but also for others,” said one of the female actors. “Arise!” is the fifth musical staged by Art&Sal since 2013.