On the occasion of the bicentenary from the birth of St John Bosco, patron saint of children and youth, in the next few weeks the Don Bosco Oratory of Gozo will be staging the rock opera in Maltese Ġwanninu. This original rock opera recounts the story of the saint through music, song and dance.

Composed by Stephen Attard to story and lyrics by Effie Masini and Emanuel Cordina, Ġwanninu was originally produced 30 years ago, and was successfully staged for a record number of 44 times in 1985 and 1988.

In the history of local broadcasting it was the first musical to be filmed on location for television back in 1988.

The same musical film was also broadcast on television in Italy, Spain, Canada and Australia in 1989. Now, on the occasion of this bicentenary of St John Bosco, the rock opera has been revised and recorded anew at Philip Vella’s studios in Malta, and preparations are under way for its stage production this month.

The main characters in Ġwanninu are being interpreted by Mario Caruana and Nathan Cini.

Other singers include Pamela Bezzina, Noel Galea, Ruth Portelli and Joseph Refalo together with a cast of about a hundred singers, actors and dancers.

Musical direction has been entrusted to the rock opera’s composer Stephen Attard, while stage production will be under the direction of Gordon J. Grech.

Ġwanninu, a two-hour spectacular show of song, music and dance, will be staged at the Don Bosco Oratory Theatre in Gozo on November 14 at 7.30pm, with repeat performances on November 15 at 2.30pm (matinée show) and November 21 at 7.30pm.

Other special shows for schoolchildren are also being planned.

• Tickets for Ġwanninu may be obtained from the Don Bosco Oratory of Gozo, by calling 2155 6616 or 9948 7751 or by e-mail: odbgozo@yahoo.com.