Mario Philip Azzopardi’s satirical black comedy Sulari fuq Strada Stretta will be performed at Teatru Manoel on 25, 26 and 27 January at 8pm.

Days before the Second World War, Joey plots the murder of the last remaining members of a Maltese aristocratic family to enhance business for prostitutes in Strada Stretta, by inheriting the top floor of an old palace in Valletta.

Sulari, written in 1977, caused a dispute with censors and theatre authorities and had cancelled the play on the grounds that it was too offensive. Now, 30 years later, the local audiences have the unique opportunity to see it performed at Malta’s National Theatre with an excellent cast and directed by the author himself.

The play had a sub-title Kummiedja f’zewg atti fejn kwazi kulhadd imut, (a comedy in two acts where almost everyone ends up dead) which gives a slight and somewhat covert indication of the kind of “comedy” audiences should expect. It is a tongue in cheek irreverent entertainment, which promises to be a different type of theatrical experience. Nothing new really. In the hey day of Maltese theatre controversy and political satire were rampant. Same with Carnival floats. Nowadays there are strict rules and “dos” and “don’ts” governing what can be depicted on a float. What is this? Censorship? Well, yes and no. Those floats were, according to politicians, a public nuisance since they provoked many a public brawl. Which begs the question: Are the Maltese unable to laugh at themselves? Do they really take themselves that seriously?

Sulari Fuq Strada Stretta does away with such premises and dives headlong into a frenzy of satire meant to take the mickey out of “being Maltese”. There’s no subtlety here and the plot is crafted to “nudge nudge” the audience into those murky, polemical, Maltese dinner party taboos: Sex, Politics, and Religion. Local censore gave it an 18 certificate.

Those taking part are Sean Buhagiar, Monica Attard, Ninette Micallef and John Suda.

Performances start at 8pm. Tickets at e14 / Lm6, e11.50 / Lm4.94 and e6 / Lm2.58 can be purchased from Teatru Manoel booking office which can be contacted on 2124 6389 or [email protected]