The Malta Drama Centre is putting on a series of short plays on the concept of suffering, death and redemption.

Coinciding with Holy Week, the idea is to give a new and provocative interpretation to the Easter narrative. Around 30 actors, currently undergoing training in the dramatic arts at the Drama Centre, are involved in these studio productions, which are attracting a diverse audience including university students.

Three productions are involved, based on texts by Mario Azzopardi (Jeshua of Natzrat), Fr Peter Serracino Inglott (I’m not Job) and Gabriel Garcia Marquez (Chronicle of a Death Foretold). Albert Marshall, Lino Farrugia and Stephan Cachia Zammit have been entrusted with the direction of these theatre pieces. All three are working with senior students who will graduate from the Drama Centre this year.

Jeshua of Natzrat examines the villagers’ suspicious attitude towards this odd man (Jeshua), around whom many strange stories involving him, his mysterious birth and his parents circulate with devastating results. I’m Not Job tells the story of a young woman who despite her rebellious spirit goes through untold suffering. Lastly, Chronicle of a Death Foretold offers a series of chilling scenes based on Marquez’s novel, whose author was the recipient of the Nobel Prize for literature in 1981. This is the tragedy of a young man whose demise can be constantly anticipated and nobody acts to prevent it.

The Malta Drama Centre operates under the auspices of the Lifelong Learning Department of the Ministry of Education, Work and the Family.

As from next month, the centre will receive new applicants for the many courses it offers in the performing arts. More information can be obtained from the centre’s website www.maltadramacentre.org or by phoning 21-220-665 during office hours.