The acclaimed Maltese playwright and author, Alfred Buttigieg, has just announced that the script of Mela hawn xi manikomju? will be published on the same day the play debuts at St James Cavalier. The publication by Klabb Kotba Maltin will be part of the author's ongoing commitment to have more original, Maltese theatrical productions available as texts for local readers.

"There is no doubt that there is a shortage of Maltese play texts available for the average reader," explains Mr Buttigieg, whose past works include local classics like Ir-Rewwixta tal-qassisin and Ippermettili nitlaq.

"This is quite a shame, as while people are getting more novels in our mother-tongue, our theatrical legacy is not being built upon or celebrated - and it's not making its way into people's daily lives, either. In fact, that's why I always publish the text for people to indulge in at their own pace and in their own time."

Priced at just €5, the play's print run will be limited to just 150 copies, and will be available from St James Cavalier before each performance as of 4 March, and from Klabb Kotba Maltin.

The play, Mela hawn xi manikomju?, which will be held on 4, 5, 6 and 11, 12, 13 March will tell the story of four elderly women dealing with life in a retirement home. "Each of them has a past, and each of them sees the future differently; but society and time have brought them together in a place they really don't want to be," Mr Buttigieg adds.

The play will feature many renowned names including Lee-N Abela, Lilian Pace, Ninette Micallef and Theresa Gauci in the leading roles, as well as Roberta Briffa, Andre Mangion and Charles Sammut. The stellar cast will be under the direction of Tyrone Grima, who is known for his work in Bariona (2010), Bwani (2013) and Children of a Lesser God (2015), among others.

The play is certified 18+ and is being supported by the Malta Arts Fund.

Tickets can be booked from St James Cavalier on www.kreattivita.org or by phoning on 2122 3200; priced at €15.