The Mistress of the Inn at the Salesian Theatre

Il-Lukandiera, considered to be the masterpiece of La Commedia dell’Arte, is the opening production by Atturi Salesjani for the theatrical season 2011/2012.

Il-Lukandiera, written by Carlo Goldoni and translated into Maltese by Tonio Vassallo and directed by Paul Vella, is being staged at the Salesian Theatre this weekend.

Mirandolina (Rita Camilleri), mistress since her father’s death of his prosperous inn in Florence, is remarkable for her lively charm and her deft juggling of innumerable admirers.

The marquis of Forlipopoli (Hector Borg) remains at the inn solely because of his admiration for this mistress; the count of Albafiorita (Paul Borg) seems to be really in love with her. He continually showers costly presents. Also in the lists is Fabrizio (Paul Vella), serving man at the inn, whom Mirandolina’s father has suggested as her prospective husband.

The indifferent guest is the baron of Ripafratta (Leonard Falzon) who, jeering at the marquis and the count for their worship of Mirandolina, declares: “...I have been in this hotel three days and I don’t see anything especially remarkable about her.”

Other characters are the Baron’s servant (Jeremy Spiteri); Ortensia (Margaret Buhagiar) and Dejanira (Pamela Ann Vella).

• Il-Lukandiera will be staged at the Salesian Theatre, Sliema on Saturday at 7.30 p.m. and Sunday at 6.30 p.m. Tickets may be obtained from the theatre between 7 and 8.30 p.m.