Booking is now open for MADC's 2025 Shakespeare at San Anton Gardens, continuing its decades-long tradition of staging an open-air production each summer, while also marking a milestone moment for Malta's oldest theatre company.
For the very first time, MADC will stage King Lear as its much-loved annual appointment with the Bard this July - and audiences can enjoy an early bird offer at www.madc.com.mt for a limited time only.
Directed by Chris Gatt and set against the backdrop of the picturesque San Anton Gardens, MADC's inaugural production of King Lear features an all-star cast, performing in period costumes with a Game of Thrones-inspired aesthetic designed by Nicole Cuschieri.
King Lear remains one of William Shakespeare's most powerful tragedies. Its tale of power, pride and betrayal begins when the King abdicates and decides to divide his kingdom between his three daughters - but only after they prove their love for him in words. While his two eldest flatter him with false praise, his youngest, Cordelia, speaks with honesty. Enraged, King Lear casts her out. Yet, as family bonds unravel, loyalties shift and the consequences of vanity and ambition take a brutal toll, the King discovers that his eldest daughters are not as loving and obedient as he'd first believed.
Stephen Oliver takes on the title role, joined by Faye Paris as Goneril, Daniela Carabott Pawley as Regan and Melissa Mercieca as the loyal Cordelia. Meanwhile, Michael Mangion plays the Earl of Gloucester, Simone Ellul is the Duchess of Kent and Edward Caruana Galizia is the Duke of Cornwall, in a superb cast that also features Leah Grech, Alex Weenink, Daniel Formosa, Bernard Zammit, Taha Chaudhry, Sam Casha, Neil Cutajar, Shaun Rizzo and Tyrone Grima.
MADC's production of William Shakespeare's King Lear performs at San Anton Gardens, Attard, from 18-21 and 23-27 July at 8pm. Suitable for audiences aged 10 and above. Tickets are available at www.madc.com.mt with an early bird price starting at €25 for a limited time only.
Photos: Justim Mamo