Organised by the National Book Council and taking place at the Malta Fairs and Conventions Centre, Ta' Qali between 4-8 November, the Malta Book Festival invites visitors from all walks of life, with a dynamic programme that celebrates all aspects of book culture.
A celebration of the book in all its forms, the Festival has never shied away from the multimedia experiences that can emerge from the written word. This year is certainly no exception, as we invite readers to uncover the story no matter what form it takes.
Now, the Festival is thrilled to host three theatre shows inspired by recent works of Maltese literature for children and young adults.
Adapted and staged by More or Less Theatre under the artistic direction of one of Malta's leading theatre-makers Malcolm Galea, each of the shows caters to a different age group, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility and making good on the Festival's remit to further promote a culture of reading and book-buying among visitors.
"Adaptations of books, whether as plays, films, TV shows or musicals always add to the visibility of the original text and after experiencing a book in 45 minutes, kids are more likely to read the book and experience the full story," Galea said, adding that the company was excited at the prospect of starting off with an idea that is already fully formed and interpreting it in their own zany style.
The following shows will be staged all throughout the Festival as part of this initiative:
Glenda u l-Magna tal-Granita
Adapted from the picture-book by Claudia Aloisio
Suitable for ages 5-8
Staged at 10:00 on 4, 7 and 8 November
Featuring Naomi Said and Leanne Abela
Glenda is always ready to jump and play, but her father is constantly glued to his phone and doesn't have much time for her. One day, Grandma gives her a very special gift: an old granita machine that has been in their family for many, many years.
Covered in lights, sounds and buttons, the machine makes the best granita Glenda has ever tasted. But it also has plenty of secrets... secrets that could change Glenda's life, as well as that of her family, overnight. Are you ready to discover the magical mysteries of the granita machine together with Glenda?
Tickets here
Irvin Vella - Il-Każ tal-Bottegin tax-Xorti
Adapted from the novel by John A. Bonello
Suitable for ages 8-12
Staged at 14:00 on 4, 7 and 8 November
Featuring James Ryder and Malcolm Galea
Someone has broken into the Fortune Teller's Shop and made a complete mess of the place. What were they looking for, and why? Since Madame Delphia can read fortunes, she might have been able to discover who was behind it. Unfortunately, she has ended up in hospital, unconscious.
"We saw this as an opportunity to create a piece of game theatre where the audience can help Irvin solve the case. It has great immersive potential where the audience can look for clues in each scene and discuss them with Irvin before deciding on who the main suspect is at the end of the play," Galea said.
Tickets here
Ella
Adapted from the novel by Rita Grech
Suitable for ages 12-16
Staged at 18:00 on 4, 7 and 8 November
Featuring Angele Galea, Amelie Calleja Agius and Matteo Camilleri Testa
Since Ella's mother died, her father has been struggling and has turned to drink. Just when Ella thought things couldn't get any worse, her father starts seeing another woman, who moves in with them along with her son. Suddenly, Ella finds herself at odds with everyone, and the only person who understands her is her mother's sister, Aunt Jeanella.
Galea describes Ella as, "the story of Cinderella is given a modern Maltese twist," with a coming-of-age story that tackles parenthood, bereavement and teenage relationships.
Tickets here
Entrance to all shows is free of change though registration is required via Eventbrite. Be sure to stay updated by following the Malta Book Festival on Facebook, the National Book Council on Instagram, and to check back in on the Festival page on our website here