THEATRE
Hansel and Gretel
2-6 April at St James Cavalier
Drama Troupe in collaboration with the Ian Tomlin School of Music at Napier University in Edinburgh will be producing a translation of Edelbert Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel at St James Cavalier. Hansel and Gretel is a musical fairy story in three acts. The opera opens on Hansel and Gretel dancing and playing instead of doing their chores. Their mother returns home and is enraged by the children’s frivolity. In a fit of rage, she sends the children into the forest to search for strawberries. The children get lost in the forest. They lay down to sleep and are visited by the Sandman and a host of seven angels. Awakened by the Dew Fairy in the morning, Hansel and Gretel are astonished to discover that they are only steps away from a cottage made of gingerbread and candy. Unknown to them, the house belongs to a wicked witch who turns little children into gingerbread.
Peter and the Wolf by Sergei Prokofiev 5, 6 April at the Manoel Theatre
Prokofiev’s all time children favourite Peter and the Wolf in an exciting and unconventional new adaptation. Each character in the story is represented by an instrument – somewhat quite unorthodox in choice…..and a dancer, and to top it all, the musical tale is recounted by the grumpy grandfather. Musical adaptation by Sarah Spiteri, choreography by Emma Loftus.
Bad Jazz
12, 18-20, & 25-27 April at the MADC Playhouse (PIC)
The MADC presents a provocative new comedy by Robert Farquhar -‘Bad Jazz’. The play is about a group of desperate theatre people who come together in pursuit of a shared dream. It is set in the 'wannabe culture', where everything is possible as long as you want it hard enough, and are willing to pay the price. ‘Bad Jazz’ is a gratuitous farce that exploits and satirises modern theatre, asking the question: 'how far are you prepared to go?' The play is being directed by Wesley Ellul and the cast includes Angelica Coppini, Graham Arnold, Keith Pavia, David Ellul Mercer, Maxine Calleja Urry and Chris Agius Burke. More information and booking from email: [email protected] and websites: www.madc.biz and www.theatricalconspiracy.com.
“Welcome to Hollywood” 19 - 20 April at the Catholic Institute Theatre, Floriana
‘Welcome to Hollywood’ will feature some of the most popular songs and soundtracks ever produced in major blockbuster movies. An experienced and talented cast will take the audience on a journey which goes back as early as the late 30s with the evergreen song “Over the Rainbow” from hit movie The Wizard of Oz, and continues with songs from unforgettable movies such as “Casablanca”, “The Sound of Music”, “James Bond – 007”, “Singin’ in the Rain”, “The Mask of Zorro”, “Armageddon”, “Pearl Harbour”, and “Moulin Rouge” just to mention a few. For this musical show, Spiteri Lucas Entertainment and Herman Bonaci Productions have assembled a star studded cast. Celaine Buhagiar together with her Dancel Dance Troupe are responsible for choreography. Tickets can be obtained from: Booking Office: 21 238 429, Catholic Institute Bar: 21 242 551, Telebejgh Showroom B’Kara, Tereza Bazaar – Zabbar. For more information one may call Hotline: 9989 668, 9946 8429 or visit www.spiterilucas.net
Ghadek Tiftakar lil Dorian Gray?
25, 26, 27 April at the Manoel Theatre
Oscar Wilde’s controversial novel The Picture of Dorian Gray, adapted to the stage by Tony Cassar Darien and produced by Curtain Raiser, tells the story of a young man who sells his soul for eternal youth and beauty.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (PIC)
26-27 April at St James Cavalier
Teatru Qroqq presents another theatre production full of famous wicked humour by Roald Dahl to delight children. This year Teatru Qroqq brings you Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, a story that takes you into a world of chocolate, for both children and adults to indulge in.
Charlie Bucket, is an ordinary boy who comes from a poor and humble family. He lives near Willy Wonka's chocolate factory, but is so poor that he cannot buy as many Wonka bars as he would like, yet he finds a special ticket in one of the chocolate bars he buys. Together with another four children who win the other tickets he is invited to the factory run by the eccentric but formidable candy-maker, Mr Willy Wonka. What awaits these five children? Discover all the extraordinary happenings of this visit and more at St. James Cavalier on Saturday the 26 at 5 pm and Sunday the 27 at 7 pm. The play is produced by Isabelle Gatt and directed by Marcelle Theuma. Tickets at € 8.50 (Special prices € 3.50 for schools: 24, 25, 28, 29 April, 2008 at 9.15, 10.45 and 12.15.)
VISUAL ARTS
Visage
April – May 4 at the National Museum of Fine Arts
An exhibition of drawings, etchings, oils and sculpture by Jesmond Vassallo and Francesco Astisculptures at the Contemporary Room, National Museum of Fine Arts, Valletta. Open Monday to Sunday from 9am to 5pm. (Last admission at 4.30pm)
The Human Figure (PIC) 4 April – 11 May at St James Cavalier Patrick Dalli’s exhibition at St James Cavalier shows the artist’s incessant interest in the human figure, an interest that has matured significantly over the last decade and that has also spread into the field of sculpture. Dalli’s interest in painting the figure from real life is what characterises his art, and this is what the exhibition is about. His paintings, drawings, and sculptures show his passion for capturing the physical structure of the body and the variegated tactile qualities of the flesh. His figures absorb within them the context around them. Dalli’s paintings have grown in scale and strike the spectator with their remarkable realist nature.
Boats, Balconies and Buildings Until April 13 at Heritage Malta’s Head Office in Valletta
An exhibition of paintings and watercolours by Lionel Coates and Narinder Coates.
WATCH Until April 15 at the Loggia, National Museum of Fine Arts
A collaboration between Vince Briffa (Malta), Ken G. Hay & Seetha A. (Moorland Productions – UK) and J. Michael Anderson (UK). Open Monday to Sunday from 9 am to 5 pm. (Last admission 4.30 pm)
Ix- u jien 18 April to 28 May at the Loggia, National Museum of Fine Arts
Exhibition of paintings by Dustin Cauchi. Open from 9am to 5pm. The opening will also serve as a launch for Francesca Mangion’s book, which will feature illustrations by the artist.
Perception
Until 30 April at Juuls Bar, St Julians
Exhibition of paintings by Robert Farrugia. Sponsored by Marsovin.
CINEMA
The Kite Runner
3-5 and 6-8 April at St James Cavalier
Based on the international bestseller by Khaled Hosseini, The Kite Runner is a fascinating historical epic set in 20th-century Afghanistan. Adapted for the screen by David Benioff (The 25th Hour), Director Marc Foster (Finding Neverland) does a deft job navigating the complicated story, which moves from Afghanistan to San Francisco and Pakistan (with much of the film actually shot in China), using many non-professional actors and a subtle score composed by Alberto Iglesias.
Death Proof (PIC IN FOLDER) 9-12 and 13-15 April at St James Cavalier
Master director Quentin Tarantino (Pulp Fiction) indulges his inner fan-boy by paying homage to his favorite B-movies in Death Proof.
Stuntman Mike (Kurt Russell) stalks beautiful women with his deadly vintage car, but when he picks a trio of tough girls (Rosario Dawson, Tracie Thoms, and Zoe Bell) he learns they aren’t such easy prey. As with any Tarantino film, there are plenty of nods to pop culture. Most of the scenes are deliberately short on plot development, the dialogue comes thick and fast throughout, and the film stock is often cleverly manipulated to perfectly replicate the B-movie aesthetic.
European Film Festival – 10th Edition
13 April – 8 May 2008 at St James Cavalier
The 10th edition of the European Film Festival in Malta this year marks the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue by programming films not just from across Europe but also screening films from the United States, China and Egypt. Most films will be screened at St James, however there will be two screenings in Gozo on the 2 and 3 May. Film shows are without interval and start at 8.30pm at the cinema at St. James Cavalier, Valletta (Reservations: Tel. 21 223216) and at 7pm at the Citadel Theatre, Gozo (Reservations: 21 559955/6). For a detailed programme log on to sjcav.org.
Zozo 15 April at 8.30pm at St James Cavalier After knockabout comic hits "Jalla! Jalla!" and "Kops," Lebanese-Swedish helmer Josef Fares takes a serious turn with the drama "Zozo," Sweden's 2005 submission to the Academy Awards for foreign-language film. Consisting of two halves that don't entirely harmonise, 1987-set feature focuses on the orphaned, eponymous Lebanese lad who makes his way from Beirut to Sweden alone and then suffers culture shock. "Zozo" is unlikely to match the figures of Fares' previous fare, but offshore interest could be piqued if it makes the Oscar shortlist.
MUSIC
Workshop for Composers 5 April at St James Cavalier
Kenneth Dempster, resident composer and senior lecturer at the Ian Tomlin School of Music in Edinburgh, will be holding a workshop for young composers on Saturday 5 April 2008 at 10am. During this workshop, participants will have the opportunity of bringing along a piece of their own music to show or play and discuss with Mr Dempster. Mr Dempster will also be talking about his own music and working method so as to share his ideas and experience with those present. His music has been broadcast on BBC Radio 3 and BBC Radio Scotland and his first string quartet ‘Under the Hammer’ has been recorded onto CD by the Saltire Quartet (Mirabilis Records).
Sigmund in Classical Mood (PIC) 5 April at the Casino Maltese
This concert will be a showcase of Sigmund Mifsud’s love for classical music, primarily the trumpet. The programme will feature Haydn’s Trumpet Concerto in E flat major, virtuoso pieces such as variations on a Neapolitan theme, contemporary works from Allen Vizzutti and Maurice Ravel, and a concerto by Harry James. Pianist Rosetta De Battista will accompany Mifsud. Dress code is smart (no jeans). Tickets at EUR 12 are available from www.maltaticket.com or by calling on 27842538. Tickets are also available at Agenda Bookshop, Newskiosk, Exotique, Bookends and Vodafone outlets.
Orchestral Concert by Orkestra Nazzjonali 8 April at Manoel Theatre
With pianist Joanne Camilleri playing Camille Saint-Saens’ Piano Concerto No 2 and Antonin Dvorak’s Symphony No 7 under the direction of Maestro Michael Laus.
Nani’s Requiem
15 April at St John’s Co-Cathedral (PIC)
The Malta Philharmonic Orchestra (leader Marcelline Agius) in collaboration with The Rev. Metropolitan Chapter and The St. John’s Co-Cathedral Foundation, with the participation of soloists Gillian Zammit, Nino Batatunashvili, Charles Vincenti and Anthony Montebello, and the Pro Canto Choir (choir master Josef Bugeja) under the direction of Emanuel Spagnol will perform the Messa da Requiem by Antonio Nani. The concert is being held under the distinguished patronage of H.E. Dr Edward Fenech Adami, President of Malta.
The concert starts at 8 pm. Entrance is free. Patrons are reminded that the wearing of stiletto and narrow heels is strictly prohibited.
JAAN
19, 20 April at St. Aloysius’ College Theatre
ViolinMalta productions are presenting JAAN, a journey of feelings through the original music of the young talented violinist Simon Vella and the performance of actress Leigh-Anne Abela. For more information contact them on [email protected].
The Rotterdam Young Ensemble in Concert
29 April at Manoel Theatre
This concert is part of a tour by the young virtuoso violinist Emanuel Salvador and forms part of the International String Orchestra Festival. The winner of the composition competition will have his/her work performed during the concert.
KID’s EVENTS
Teddy Bear Ned goes round the world! 20 April at St James Cavalier
Teddy Bear Ned has packed his bags and is going round the world. His next stop is Ireland where he meets new people, and discovers new instruments, fascinating stories, myths and legends. Join Teddy Bear in this all new exciting series of interactive performances for all the family. Children from five to 12 years upwards can join in the fun of music making, story telling and even learn some traditional dances! It is a fantastic way to spend a Sunday afternoon, at the Theatre at St. James Cavalier where performances are hosted. Teddy Bear Ned sets off for Ireland at 4pm! Be there. Teddy Goes round the world is part of the National Project 5, for the Year of Intercultural Dialogue.
For Manoel Theatre bookings, visit www.teatrumanoel.com.mt,
email [email protected] or call on 21246389.
For the St James Cavalier booking office, call 21223216 or visit www.sjcav.org
This information is correct at the time of printing.
[email protected]