“Darirari is a mashing together of two words – Dari and Rari – to form something new. This reflects how we are creating the show: by bringing together people from different artistic disciplines, backgrounds and occupations and using that to our advantage to create something new and special,” one of the founders, the actor Chris Dingli, told this newspaper.

“The show is inspired by the Maltese way of life. It’s an attempt to provide a brief snapshot of us as a nation that will hopefully reflect our humour and passion as well as our sense of pride and fun.” 

The show has been described as upbeat, fun and celebratory (one scene is a carcade with actual cars).  It also promises to be spectacular – not just the circus acts, but also visually and musically. There will be projections, water and a stunning set design.

“We have a cast of local and overseas performers who will swing, climb, bounce and dangle from a rig three stories high. The overseas performers are all professionals who have worked with internationally renowned circuses and they hail from all over the globe. They include a guest performer, Slava Popov, who has worked with Cirque du Soleil in La Nouba and Dralion.  

“Other performers include a trapeze artist, jugglers, a duo who climb up a structure and hang from it performing somersaults in the air (known as Korean Cradle), as well as a guy who can do the most seemingly impossible anti-gravity tricks on a bicycle,” added Dingli.

“From the local scene we have jugglers, clowns, fire performers, gymnasts, stilt walkers, puppeteers, actors, dancers, singers and even a silks performer.”

The show has been written and directed by Dingli, who spends most of his time living and working in the UK as a professional actor, although he has also made his mark on the Maltese stage in various Masquerade productions as well as alongside Malcolm Galea in Dingle Bells.

It is choreographed by Sarah Lanzon, a dancer who also works in London.  The show’s producer is Sean Buhagiar while its original soundtrack is by Mario Sammut, better known as Cygna; and it features Steve ‘Delli’ from Brikkuni.

Projections have been created by well-known illustrators Mark Scicluna and Moira Zahra, with projection mapping by Shadeena Pictures.There will also be a special appearance by KazinSka.

Performances will take place on 9, 11, 12 July at 9pm at the Greek Theatre, Ta' Qali in the open air (no big top). Tickets cost €10 or less and under-16s can attend free. Tickets from www.maltaartsfestival.org or cirkumalta.com