Mellieha Nights 2009 will be showcasing many different aspects of life in the town, as well as its people and traditions, but it would be interesting to look at what made Mellieha the place it has developed into today.

The original musical, El Mellaha...grajjietha, written specifically for the Mellieha Local Council Day back in February, gives some perspective on Mellieha's past. It documents how it has developed, and tells the tale accompanied by a number of songs.

The title, El Mellaha, is the ancient name of Mellieha, which evolved to the present Mellieha over the years. The first song gives the viewers some insight into where the name Mellieha came from, and its meaning, which is to do with salt, and according to their ancestors, honey.

The musical also makes various references to landmarks and traditions which have become what one could call trademarks of Mellieha. These include the Sanctuary of Our Lady, as well as reference to many organisations in the area.

The play revolves around an elderly man, who is pouring his heart out to a younger man, as he shares with him various memories of the past. The times were turbulent, and their forefathers suffered.

The musical refers to various pivotal moments in the past, such as St Paul's Shipwreck and Victory Day. At the end of it all, however, it is the young man who takes the elderly man on a tour of the locality, with the intention of showing him how it has changed along the years.

The composition is by Philip Vella, and the lyrics are by Philip Vella, Jimmy Muscat and Anthony Fenech, who also wrote the popular New Cuorey song, Il- Bajja tal-Mellieha. All the singers and performers are from Mellieha, save for Lawrence Gray, who is there by special invitation.

The first time the musical was put on; attendance was strong, as more than 800 people watched it. The performance to take place during the Mellieha Nights, however, would be given a fresh look, said Mellieha mayor Robert Cutajar.

The performance will be more interactive, and will take place in the courtyard of the Sanctuary of Our Lady, just a stone's throw away from many of the landmarks which the songs make reference to. The Mellieha Nights 2009 will be peppered with a variety of other activities, from gymnastic performances to concerts by renowned foreign artists.

Mr Cutajar said the musical was an original piece of work, which practically opened a window onto Mellieha, both in the past and the present. He thanked the local council for its worthwhile work and commitment.

The artistic director is Philip Vella Gauci, while Sean Vella will be taking care of musical arrangements. All dancers are from Artemocion, and the choreography is by Corinne Turner.

The cast includes Susanne Bonello, Yvonne Borg, Mattei Curmi, Anthony Cutajar, Anabelle Debono, Lawrence Gray, Julia Grima, Marisa Sammut, Gaetano Sultana, Glorian Scerri, the "Maria Bambina" Choral and Orchestral Society and the Historical Military Maritime Society of Malta members.

The musical, which is 70 minutes long, will be performed on Sunday 13 September, after a concert by the Imperial Band Club Choir. It starts at 8.30pm. Tourists and the public are invited to attend, entrance is free of charge.

A cd of the musical's soundtrack is available for sale.