The premise is the year 2036. Sibna ż-Żejt presents a boisterously merry satire where Joseph Muscat is still in power, ruling over Malta with most of the electorate behind him.
He yearns to end his career honourably but will not, cannot resign, not with such a devout following, including a faction that is ready to declare him king of Malta. And now comes the news that Malta has struck it rich beyond anyone’s expectations. Oil is found, right under the Addolorata cemetery.
Open season on anybody in politics
The script is written by Wayne Flask, known for his satirical style. “The satire is scathing,” says director Sean Buhagiar, who returns to the boards after directing last year’s success Jiena Nħobb, Inti Tħobb. “It’s open season on anybody who’s somebody in the political sphere and beyond.”
Sibna iż-Żejt goes beyond the usual send-off of local politics. Murder, conspiracy, blackmail, kidnapping and a coup d’état are only some of the plot points on the evening’s comedy menu. And, included in this futuristic world, is the technological possibility to seek advice from deceased souls.
The play retains the original names of the people it is satirising and there are a lot of them.
The cast includes Mario Micallef, Simon Curmi, Ronald Briffa, JP Busuttil, Manuel Cassar, Gilbert Formosa, Clive Piscopo, Luke Dalli, Alan Fenech, Frank Tanti, Triccas, Brussels-based actress Antonella Axisa and Peter Busuttil’s return to the Manoel Theatre.
Sibna ż-Żejt runs on May 15, 16, 17, 21, 22, 23 and 24.
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