This spring, Spazju Kreattiv is set to host an exciting line-up of theatre productions, showcasing thought-provoking and socially relevant performances. The multi-award-winning international hit Blanket Ban will finally make its premiere in Malta, alongside the translation of the theatre classic, Is-Siġġijiet and the newly-written piece, Il-Manifest tal-Qlub Maqsuma. These productions, while distinct in their narratives, are united by their exploration of critical societal themes, from political unrest to existential struggles and the ongoing discourse on reproductive rights.

Blanket Ban, the multi-award-winning international hit, written and performed by Davinia Hamilton and Marta Vella, delves into the repercussions of Malta's strict abortion laws. Through extensive research and interviews, this verbatim theatre piece documents real-life stories and experiences, urging audiences to reflect on personal traumas and emotional narratives affecting women's decisions.

Similarly, Il-Manifest tal-Qlub Maqsuma by Josue and Miguel Formosa interrogates another pivotal moment in Malta's history, the political turmoil of the late 1980s. Through the fictional eyes of the protagonist, the play revisits key moments from 1987, taking audiences back to the critical week leading up to the infamous tal-Barrani incident of 1986. Both productions highlight the weight of political decisions on individual lives and society, making them deeply resonant pieces that challenge the audience to reflect on their own positions within a broader historical and social context.

Meanwhile, Is-Siġġijiet, adapted from Eugène Ionesco's The Chairs, with a new translation by Claudine Borg and directed by Lee-N Abela, adds another dimension to the season's overarching themes. While not overtly political, its absurdist meditation on human existence and the pursuit of meaning echoes the existential struggles found in the other productions. As the water is rising and the world outside is crumbling, a man and a woman set up chairs for an eagerly-awaited audience, the anticipation of a final, monumental message to humanity speaks to the same urgency present in Blanket Ban and Il-Manifest tal-Qlub Maqsuma. Whether considering the absurdity of existence, the burden of history or the fight for bodily autonomy, all three productions engage with the idea of legacy, what is left behind, who is listening, and what happens if voices go unheard.

Adding to the depth of these productions are post-show discussions that allow audiences to further engage with the themes explored. On Saturday, 15 March, another discussion titled Making Political Theatre will explore the power of theatre as a tool for social change.

Spazju Kreattiv's spring theatre season will provoke reflection on our collective human experience, its trials, its histories and its enduring questions. Through bold storytelling and immersive performances, these productions offer audiences both entertainment and an opportunity for introspection, dialogue and engagement with the pressing issues of our time.

For more information visit www.kreattivita.org