The news has arrived. Maria Helena Werneck has passed away, full professor at UNIRIO, founder of the university’s Literature program, mentor to many researchers with whom she shared her knowledge, and author of important works in literary history and theatre theory, including Text and Image: Studies in Theatre (Rio de Janeiro, 7Letras, 2009) and Theatre Routes between Portugal and Brazil (Rio de Janeiro, 7Letras, 2012), through which she built a bridge between the two sides of the Atlantic.

Maria Helena was our friend and colleague for around twenty years, from the first visit to learn about the Opsis database and research on theatrical iconography to the recent revision of an article for the ARTHE project e-book. Years of visits and stays, of sharing research and welcoming CET researchers at her university—opportunities to build knowledge and friendship together.

We are saddened, and looking at what we have achieved does not erase the feeling that we must now continue without her attentive and engaged perspective. But that is what she would expect of us. Let us continue, then, this bond with Brazil, inspired by her work and her friendship.