Just two days before the staging of his powerful play, Awstralja, by Bronk Productions at the Teatru Manoel, Joseph Vella Bondin gained another prestigious recognition for his work as one of Malta’s leading playwrights. This time it was first prize for his book of plays Is-sejha taz-zmien in the Premju Nazzjonali tal-Ktieb 2007, Maltese drama category, awarded by il-Kunsill Nazzjonali tal-Ktieb.

The prize was presented to him by the Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi during the prize-giving ceremony held on Thursday at the Auberge de Castille.

In its report, the adjudicators stated that the two plays in Is-sejha taz-zmien “were impressive in their exploitation of language and revealed an excellent knowledge of dramatic structure.” These qualities are also present in Awstralja.

Awstralja, directed by John Suda for Bronk Productions, is to be staged today at 7.30pm and tomorrow at 6.30 pm. Tickets, from the Manoel Theatre (telephone 2124-6389), cost Lm5 (e11.65) and the play is not suitable for persons under 16. The play’s production has been made possible by financial assistance from the National Lotteries Good Causes Fund within the Finance Ministry and from the Bank of Valletta.