Two leading cultural entities are currently seeking funding through Maltese crowd-funding platform Zaar.com.mt. Both projects are looking for support so that they can raise their artistic standards even further.

The two projects are very different and will target completely different audiences.

 

'Collapse'

Collapse is a multi-disciplinary artistic project planned by leading Maltese company Unifaun Theatre Productions for February 2017 at St James Cavalier's Spazju Kreattiv. 

The project is the result of years of collaboration between local artists and their colleagues from California. Playwright Adrian Buckle (who is also the artistic director of Unifaun) has penned an exciting and original script, with input from California director Dave Barton and some of his best actors. The project also involves local artist Anthony Catania, who will be joining long-term Unifaun scenic designer Romualdo Moretti to design the play. 

Speaking about the prospect of this project, Mr Buckle said: "Collapse promises an engaging script that can be performed to a Maltese audience and then be exported to foreign theatres, while ensuring all artists involved are paid for their work. This is a thrilling cultural opportunity for Malta and we are very grateful for public support."

Unifaun Theatre is hoping to raise €7,000 to help make this project a reality. There are numerous rewards available for backers, including early-bird offers and complementary tickets.

For more information, and to donate, visit http://www.zaar.com.mt/projects/collapse/

 

'Pinocchio'

Pinocchio, meanwhile, is being produced by the Johane Casabene Dance Conservatoire (JCDC) in July this year. The school will be producing Collodi's version of the tale, which is, traditionally, a rather dark and macabre tale, especially when compared to the Disney alternative.

The JCDC balletic production will attempt to strike a balance between the two extremes. Through original choreography and narration, the story of Pinocchio will be retold in a way that is suitable for children and which they will thoroughly enjoy. Their parents and other adults have certainly not been forgotten and they will be presented with a stunning creation that is fast-paced, professional and unique.

"It is our mission to nurture and promote the art of dance," explains Ms Casabene, who has produced a mammoth number of dance shows over the course of her career so far. "As a dance school, shows constantly encourage our students to try their very best to do well in their class work.

"From a very young age, these students learn so much that will serve them throughout their lives, both as professionals in their chosen field as well as during their leisure time."

The project is seeking €5,000 funding in an attempt to encourage as large and diverse an audience to attend the show as possible, bearing in mind that ticket prices have been maintained at a very reasonable level.

"Our investment in quality in terms of trainers, costumes, props, music and venue is very high. Thus, with the incredible support from the JCDC sponsors and collaborators and with some help from Zaar crowd-funding, we hope to achieve our objective of producing a production on a par with international standards at a very reasonable cost to those who choose to attend one of its performances as well as for the participants," Ms Casabene says.

Supporters of Pinocchio can start their donations at as little as €5, with rewards being offered that include early-bird tickets and the chance for company logos to be featured on the Pinocchio souvenir programme.

For more information, and to donate, visit http://www.zaar.com.mt/projects/pinocchio/