A poetry recital by the group AWL will be presented at Freedom Square as part of the Malta Arts Festival – Summer 2006 on Wednesday 2 August at 9pm. The evening is dedicated to Malta’s national poet, Dun Karm Psaila, and his excellent masterpiece Il-Jien u Lil Hinn Minnu.

Glen Calleja will read a full version of Il-Jien u lil Hinn Minnu. An audio-visual presentation will support the recital.

“Il-Jien” gropes in the dark with the heightened alertness of someone who has lost something in a room at night. Who is groping in the dark? Is she a young lady looking for her clothes? Is he a small boy looking for mummy? Is she a widow looking for the man she lost? Is it a man of god looking for the strength to believe? Is it an overworked worker who cannot find rest in sleep?

“AWL is presenting “il-Jien’ as a journey that has not yet started. The reading of the poem is a proposal, an invitation…. Grope in the dark and feel...everything is as you’ve never felt it before,” explained Glen Calleja from AWL. “The evening appeals to the general public, in particular those interested in Maltese literature. It should help students grasp the performative aspect of our national literature.”

Entrance to this original presentation of Dun Karm’s materpiece is free.