Tebut Isfar, an original Maltese-language play by Clare Azzopardi, will be staged at the Valletta Campus Theatre (ex MITP) next month, highlighting the challenges of over development.

The story follows the owner of a small coffin shop, Ġorġ, as he interacts with a developer who wants to turn his shop into a boutique hotel. The play addresses highly-topical issues of construction in Malta, which goes hand-in-hand with the abuse of our right to live in a clean environment. The main theme of the play is the gentrification of Valletta, but Azzopardi also explores the arrogance of the business class, and the exploitation of their strong ties to people in power.

However, according to director Marcelle Teuma: "There is a lightness intermingling the heaviness of the situations that have been created by the playwright."

In fact, despite the often-dark and eccentric storyline, the cast - consisting of well-known local actors Mariele Żammit, Peter Galea, Leigh Ann Abela and Anthony Ellul - are able to bring an element of humour and lightness to the piece.

Commenting on the void of Maltese speaking theatre locally, playwright Clare Azzopardi said" "I am happy to see more Maltese-language plays being performed locally, thanks to Teatru Malta and Unifaun Theatre Productions."

Tebut Isfar will be performed at Valletta Campus Theatre (ex MITP) on 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 26, 27 and 28 October 2018. The play is supported by the Malta Arts Fund and the University of Malta. Tickets start from €12 and can be purchased at www.ticketline.com.mt.