Jiena Nhobb Inti Thobb, the most controversial new original Maltese play is to hit The Manoel’s boards from 7 to 10 February.

The plot is simple enough. A gay musician helps his gay friends to find a surrogate to to be inseminated with their sperm through IVF. Far from being a case of adoption, the gay couple decides to raise their own child, knowing that the practice of surrogacy is totally illegal in Malta. The consequences are as various as they are dramatic and heart breaking.

Notte Bianca artistic director Sean Buhagiar whom we have seen playing lead roles in SulariFuqStradaStretta, Xbihat Ta Xi Whud Li HumaKattolici, Indemonjat U Maltin Ohra, returns to the Manoel as a director in this explosive new play by Simon Bartolo in this year's first production by Stagun Teatru Malti, on the 7th 8th 9th and 10th of February. His large cast is headed by Ray Calleja, together with Victor Debono, Davide Tucci, Clare Agius, Marilu Vella, Sharon Bezzina, Roderick Vassallo, and others including Peppi Azzopardi playing Peppi Azzopardi as the host of the show.

Rehearsals have been going on for weeks now and at this mid-point in the production it is clear that this not-to-be-missed play has some of the most powerful, emotionally charged scenes ever performed in Maltese theatre. "This is our theatre", says co-producer Mario Philip Azzopardi, "it is not an import and it is not a translation. It comes from one of our strongest writers and it is addressed directly to us, as a Maltese society, dealing with a current dilemma that confronts not only us but the world. Simon's brilliant approach to the subject matter is to plunge headlong into the fray. He does not "explain" the whys and wherefores of the script but instead decides to talk to an adult mature audience that needs to see a different perspective than the one imposed by the church, politicians and stakeholders. This, after all, is an experience we share as a whole. It may affect us differently but it is ours to deal with."

Thanks to the Arts Fund and Teatru Manoel the Maltese stage takes a leap forward with this drama. Just like last year’s performances of Clare Azzopardi'sIn-Nisa Maltin JafuKif and Albert Marshall's L'indemonjati U Maltin Ohra, Stagun Teatru Malti continues with the mandate of recognising local talent to produce high quality original Maltese theatre that dares address local issues in a way and style not found in any of the media outlets. This is controversial entertainment with a capital C, insisting on shedding the traditional dependency on imported theatrical works to allow our own playwrights and highly talented actors to give vent to their own artistic expression, addressing and exposing our own identity, warts and all. Do not miss this!

Booking is now open: www.teatrumanoel.com.mt, [email protected] or 2124 6389.  Cert 16.as the play contains nudity, coarse language and deals with adult themes.