The cat's out of the bag!

Teatru Malta is delighted to open its 2019 programme with the highly anticipated children's opera Il-Qtates ta' max-Xatt on 23 and 24 February in partnership with Festivals Malta.

This magical piece is an adaptation of the much-loved children's book by Maltese author Clare Azzopardi, directed by Denise Mulholland and composed by Euchar Gravina. The opera, suitable for children aged between 8 and 10 will be held at the historic Maritime Museum in Birgu.

This heart-warming story treats the sensitive subject of loss through the eyes of a group of singing stray cats who struggle to come to terms with the 'disappearance' of two of the most important people in their life: Nanna and Nannu.

Audiences, young and old are invited to participate in this melodious interpretation of a story that explores one of children's greatest fears through the cheerful mediums of puppetry and song. Puppetry? Yes! The cats will be played by opera favourites Clare Ghigo, Ruth Sammut Casingena, Francesca Aquilina, Sean Borg and Louis Andrew Cassar but they will not be the only ones stealing the show because the cats are actually puppets made by the talented Matthew Pandolfino. Nanna and Nannu will be interpreted by Ruth Sammut Casingena who will be doubling as Pippistrell the cat and Nanna, while Jean Pierre Busuttil will be interpreting the role of Nannu.

This 45-minute opera is the perfect outing for the whole family if you are looking to do something a little different over the weekend. With both a matinee performance at 3pm and an early evening show at 6pm on both Saturday and Sunday, it is the perfect spot of entertainment before or after an afternoon tea or early dinner along the charming Birgu promenade with your younger ones.

This production is a collaborative work in partnership with Arts Council Malta, Festivals Malta, the Three Palaces Festival, Culture Pass Malta, The Ministry for Education and Employment, LESA and Heritage Malta. To book your tickets or for more information on this playful piece visit teatrumalta.org.mt or call 21220255 for more information.