The Manoel Theatre, in collaboration with Talenti, presents Francis Ebejer’s social comedy ‘Meta Morna tal-Mellieha’ (When we Went to Mellieha’ on Friday 15, Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 November at 8pm at the Manoel.
Ebejer wrote this work in 1976 and it is being presented on the 20 anniversary of his death.
In this social comedy, through three generations of the same family, the playwright clearly demonstrates the changes in the social lives of the Maltese over the last few years. The relationships between humans, especially those that live together are especially well depicted in this piece.
Similar to his other works Il-Hadd fuq il-Bejt and F-Imnarja zmien il-qtil, Ebejer presents us with local characters which we instantly recognise.
In a Mellieha house we meet the grandmother Cens, a woman who lived all her life in the country together with her husband. Their life was one of hard work and dedication toiling the field besides their home - the field which was the family’s livelihood. Over time, due to her husband’s death and her old age, she couldn’t maintain the field any longer and resigns to living in the house with her children Rikkard and Maria.
The field is abandoned and neglected. Several offers to purchase the field for development are made, but Cens is reluctant to sell it as she hopes her grandson Mario (Maria’s son) would take it over and bring it back to life. Mario, however, has chosen his studies over working in the field.
Pawlu and his children Yvette and Gorg pay a visit. What is the reason and significance of this visit? Is Pawlu’s intention realised? What do white chickens mean to Maria? And, more importantly, is the Grandmother’s wish to see her field revived before she dies fulfilled?
The cast includes Theresa Gauci, Michael Tabone, Rita Camilleri, Carlos Farrugia, Simone Debattista, Michael Sciortino, Elaine Saliba and Clive Piscopo directed by Mario Micallef.
Booking is open online at www.teatrumanoel.com.mt, by email on [email protected] or by telephone on 2124 6389.