This year marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of author Ġuże Chetcuti. To mark this event, local dramatic company Talenti, in partnership with the Manoel Theatre, is producing a play, Il-Kuluri tal-Perlini, a free adaptation from Chetcuti’s drama Imħuħ Morda.

The play, by Żep Camilleri, is presented in two acts. The story revolves around a tiny, name-less, idyllic seaside village, where a family of three gathers for a short break at its holiday retreat house during carnival season.

The story identifies some of the dramatic social tribulations that are universal

The father, Anton, is a novel writer and a poet. His wife, Lizette, who once graced the local theatres with her ballet routines, is French by origin and was brought to Malta by Anton’s sister Emilia, a theatre impresario.

Their daughter, Suzanne, is an 18-year-old student. A bit like her father, she entertains fussy ideas, an apparent effect of being an avid reader of his books.

The story takes place in a very small square in the village hub, dominated by a typical village wine bar, which is the property of dear old Netta. A frequent client to this bar is Totinu, a sad gardener who carries an impossible dream of success and wealth.

Dr Alex Calamatta is a psychiatrist and a childhood friend with Anton.

He now returns, on retire-ment, in order to respond to Anton’s call for help, namely to monitor the mental condition of Lizette.

According to Anton, his wife has simply lost it and he is subsequently suspicious of her behaviour. One final character is Oswald, Suzanne’s boyfriend, a likeable guy who is riddled with family problems.

The drama thrives on every character’s personal issues. The focal one belongs to Anton, who has simply lost his thrust in practially everyone, but mainly in his wife Lizette.

This mistrust is recipro-cated. However, other issues belonging to other characters become relevant too as the story unfold.

This gripping story identifies some of the dramatic social tribulations that are universal, from love to hate, treachery, mistrust and more.

The cast is made up of Mario Micallef, Monika Attard, Antonella Galea Loffreda, Anthony Ellul, Marvic Cordina, Larissa Bonaci, Mario Spiteri (Snitz), Clive Piscopo and Nico Micallef. Żep Camilleri directs.

Il-Kuluri tal-Perlini runs between November 14 and 16 at 8pm at the Manoel Theatre.

www.teatrumanoel.com.mt

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