Welcome to the madhouse

Once the home for the elderly, the infirm, illegitimate children, the possessed and prostitutes, the Ospizio lies abandoned and forgotten, tucked away below the Central Public Library in Floriana.

Now, a large sign warns against unauthorised access to this little compound on the outskirts of the city. But while up to a month ago there was nothing worth going in for - save for rubble - things are infinitely more interesting with a show, Ospizio, that opened last night and promises to take audiences round the bend.

Produced by Theatre Anon, this is a full-on rollercoaster featuring a narcissistic mayor and his wife, a sanctimonious priest, a dashing lawyer, an inquisitor who fathered two children and a whole institution of lost souls. Add an inseparable couple called Di and Do, a pumping brass ensemble, giant puppets, an indoor pool and a dancer suspended in mid-air and you have the unlikely set of ingredients that make Ospizio the "magical experience" its producers claim it to be.

"The story belongs to this place," director Paul Portelli said, stressing that this was not a re-enactment but an original show with relevant themes which resonated with today's audiences.

The project was a collaborative one, meaning the final result is a combined effort by the director, writers, actors, musicians and designers, where any contribution by a member could turn everything on its head.

One particular example is the historical Inquisitor Passionei, who was the longest serving inquisitor on the island and fathered two children with his lover, who ended up at the Ospizio.

While the show is generally comical, shallow it is not and between laughs explores what humans feel when they lose a loved one, be it their child, lover or parent.

And whereas before the Ospizio was a closed Pandora's Box, the producers are unleashing it on the audiences, or their version of it, at least.

Commissioned by the Malta Arts Festival, Ospizio runs on Thursday, Friday, Monday and July 13 and 14, deliberately avoiding World Cup matches.

The audience is advised to wear comfortable shoes.

www.maltaartsfestival.com
www.theatreanon.com