Press Mute will return to the stage in Malta and Italy, following a sold-out extended run at Spazju Kreattiv earlier this year.

The production will be staged at Teatru Salesjan in Sliema on Friday, 18 September, for one night only, before travelling to Italy, where it will be among the headline acts at the International Journalism Festival in Ferrara on 2 October. The performance in Italy will take place at the city's historic 1,000-seater Teatro Comunale.

Written and directed by editor and journalist Herman Grech and produced by Udjenza, Press Mute offers a sharp and timely exploration of power, media and manipulation.

Set mainly in a struggling newsroom, the play examines how facts are filtered, stories are buried and public trust begins to fray as political pressure, misinformation, social media outrage and algorithms increasingly shape what audiences see and believe.

Inspired by the concept of "live journalism", the production blends theatre, multimedia and direct audience interaction to explore political corruption, the buying of media influence and the erosion of public accountability.

"We're honoured to be able to restage Press Mute in both Malta and Italy," Grech said, who had also toured Europe with his play They blew her up.

"For me, the production continues to underline the intimate relationship between theatre and journalism, and how the arts can be used as an effective way of communicating an important message."

Udjenza artistic director Toni Attard said: "Press Mute reflects Udjenza's commitment to creating original work that tells new stories, challenges audiences and engages with the issues shaping our societies. I am especially proud to see a production conceived and developed in Malta reach international audiences as we celebrate Udjenza's fifth anniversary."

Renowned actors Michela Farrugia and Philip Leone Ganado join well-known journalist Mark Laurence Zammit and podcaster Trudy Kerr for the fast-paced play. Acclaimed actor Alan Paris joins them in the updated production, taking on the role of Perry.

Press Mute formed part of Udjenza's fifth anniversary season and was originally produced in collaboration with Spazju Kreattiv, with the support of Arts Council Malta.

For tickets and information visit www.udjenza.com