Poetry recitals, live music and street performances were brought together in one interdisciplinary event to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Erasmus programme.
The event, entitled Bliet, was held at the EU Programmes Agency’s new premises in St Venera and was inspired by the theme of contemporary mobility and based on the publication of the same name by Norbert Bugeja.
The concept for the artistic performance was devised by creative director and theatre actor Sean Buhagiar, himself a former Erasmus student. He was commissioned following a competition for performance concepts which was open to the public.
“Using ‘the contaminated city of poetry’ quoted by Adrian Grima in the introduction to Dr Bugeja’s publication, we portrayed an abstract view of contemporary mobility. Different types of mobility – including economic, language and music – were treated literally or visually through poetry written in different countries,” Buhagiar said.
The performance included the participation of actors Narcy Calamatta, Karl Cassar, Alan Fenech, Franica Pulis and Marilu’ Vella.
Music was provided by Aidan Buhagiar (keyboard) and Drinu Camilleri (guitar), while Saviour Zammit and Sean Briffa took on the roles of street artists as juggler and statue respectively. An installation by Elisa Von Brockdorff will be open for public viewing during office hours until May 31.
The event also included the participation of the Maltese Erasmus Ambassador, theatre studies lecturer John Schranz, who spoke about his Erasmus experience and how it affected his personal and professional life.
“Erasmus makes you live in a network characterised by thought and inquiry. The ease with which you find yourself meeting fellow lecturers, theatre-makers and students at a deep level, immediately on arrival, is amazing. It goes far beyond what you could encounter as a casual visitor. You get a sense of belonging; a sense that much more is possible.”
For more information on Erasmus,visit the EUPA website on the Lifelong Learning Programme at www.llp.eupa.org.mt.
This initiative is supported by the European Commission (Directorate General Education and Culture).