Staġun Teatru Malti, in collaboration with the Manoel Theatre, is staging Ix-Xitan Kunjomu Malti, a new and original play by writerdirector Mario Philip Azzopardi.
Azzopardi’s two previous works were Sulari Fuq Strada Sretta and Xbihat Ta’ Xi Wħud Li Huma Kattoliċi. Prior to these, the company had commissioned and produced seven original, contemporary plays in Maltese.
Azzopardi’s theatre creates its own particular niche, blending dark humour, fantasy, satire and tongue-in-cheek social commentary inspired by what he refers to as the “Maltese experience”. His chosen themes are innovative and unabashedly controversial.
Dealing with the theme of demonic possession, Ix-Xitan Kunjomu Malti (the devil has a Maltese name), Azzopardi’s third play is probably the most controversial, promising to take the audiences into un-chartered territory.
The plot revolves around a young Scottish girl, who is possessed by the devil and screams out obscenities in the Maltese language. She is brought to Malta so that exorcists may find the connection and that’s where and when the gates of hell are ripped open to allow the devil himself, dressed in tails and sneakers, to visit the audience for a face-to-face chat.
Just when the audience is lulled into the lap of merciless satire and irreverent comedy, the play seems to twist upon itself to change into a violent, heart-wrenching tragedy.
Roderick Vassallo, John Suda, Marvic Cordina, Jamie Cardona and Shelby Aquilina – all of whom starred in Azzopardi’s production of Il-Kappillan Ta’ Malta – join forces with Paul Portelli, Mikhail Basmadjian and Polly March in this compelling and challenging theatrical experience.
Ix-Xitan Kunjomu Malti will be performed on January 31, February 1, 6, 7, 8 and 9 at 8pm at the Manoel Theatre, Valletta. Tickets are available from the Manoel Theatre box office by calling on 2124 6389 or online.
www.teatrumanoel.com.mt