The fusion of cultures that is the Mediterranean is a topic that resonates with the Maltese, particularly in an era where borders are fluid and migration a phenomenon close to us all. But of course, translating the concept to the stage is not an easy process, particularly when the chosen medium is a multi-disciplinary performance that brings together three of the high arts - … [Read more...] about Les Nuits Barbares: the Mediterranean narrative on stage
Festivals Malta
Il-Qarċilla 2022: Oh, Politics
Photo: Dorian Bugeja Il-Qarċilla and the upcoming elections are a marriage made in comedy heaven Il-Qarċilla is one of those Malta carnival events that I was kind of, sort of vaguely familiar with, but that I'd never actually experienced. I have a confession to make - farcical comedy is really not my thing, and I wasn't sure I'd appreciate it. Having said that, I was also … [Read more...] about Il-Qarċilla 2022: Oh, Politics
No Gravity Theatre’s Inferno
https://youtu.be/7TxvC_sYyxc One of this year’s Three Palaces Online Festival surprises, a wonderfully mesmerizing interpretation of Dante’s circles of Hell. As soon as I realised that No Gravity Theatre was on this year’s The Three Palaces Online Festival bill, I have been looking forward to finally view one of Emiliano Pellisari’s productions - commissioned, no … [Read more...] about No Gravity Theatre’s Inferno
Of Hell And Exile: stark reality
Immersive and multi-faceted, this Three Palaces production is a symbolic springboard for themes of displacement and identity. There is a certain poetic inevitability to setting the Akhmatova Songs by John Taverner to Of Hell And Exile, an immersive project that forms part of this year’s The Three Palaces Festival programme. Anna Akhmatova, after all, was one of a handful … [Read more...] about Of Hell And Exile: stark reality
Portal Shades: our liminal space
A soaring of bodies and minds symbolises Dante’s journey between Hell and Heaven. Malta’s traditional doorways are a thing of wonder, but how do they fit within the concept of the Dante and Caravaggio-themed Three Palaces Festival? I confess I was curious, when confronted with the name of this event - Portal Shades. But fit they do, of course. Musically, aesthetically, … [Read more...] about Portal Shades: our liminal space