Aladdin for schoolchildren

The Drama Unit based at the Maria Regina School in Blata l-Bajda is currently performing Aladdin, a pantomime for Year 3 pupils in local government, Church and private schools.

It is the classical tale of good winning against evil, this time pitching young, naive thief Aladdin against a sorcerer who pretends to be his uncle but whose ultimate aim is to obtain power.

Throughout the play we see Aladdin aided by his mother, who tries to knock some sense into her son (sometimes literally) and the inimitable genie (whose powers are somewhat rusty). It obviously finishes with a happy ending with Aladdin saving the day and marrying the princess.

The script was written by John Suda and arranged by Adrian Buckle, who co-directs this panto with Paul Portelli.

The cast includes Philip Stilon, Michael Tabone, Victor de Bono, Marcelle Teuma, Manuel Cauchi, Stephanie Farrugia and Bernardo Riolo. Props were prepared by Anton Farrugia.

It is estimated that after a three week long run, with three performances each day, around 5,000 children will have seen the performance.