For the fifth year in a row, some of Malta’s most established actors will be getting together to form a formidable cast in aid of charity in the Passion play, Il-Mixja.

Vermiglio Theatre Productions, in collaboration with Mount Carmel Hospital, will be taking the Passion of Christ to the grounds of the Verdala Palace in Buskett, making it an interactive and unique experience for all those attending.

Michelle Zerafa as Mary Magdalene. Photo: Viktor Vella

The picturesque grounds will be replacing the streets of Jerusalem on that historical night and the audience will become part of the drama.

Besides the location, which for the very first time will be hosting such a production, the script entitled Agnus Dei is also new. The cast, for the first time, also includes a neoclassical chorus choreographed by Michelle Zerafa.

The audience will be guided through the main stages of the Passion of Jesus, leading to the crucifixion.

A number of natural spots will serve as backdrops to the scenes and monologues which bring the events to the audience in a realistic and personal manner.

“The way we are presenting the play is intended to make those who attend feel as if they were part of the crowd witnessing the last two days in the life of Jesus prior to his resurrection,” said director Alan Fenech who is also playing Jesus.

“It is for this reason that we have not made any use of amplification throughout the walk.”

The cast includes a number of established actors. The other main roles feature Mario Micallef as the narrator, Michael Sciortino as Simon Peter, Michelle Zerafa as Mary Magdalene, Moira Muscat as the Blessed Virgin, Joe Pace as Pontius Pilate, Manuel Cassar as Joseph from Arimatea, Renato Dimech as James, Andy Catania as Judas Iscariot, Marco Grech as Nathaniel, Mark Mifsud as John, Ivan Debattista and Manuel Cutajar as King Herod, Aaron Fenech as Nicodemus, Dominic Said as Itamar, Simone Debattista as Leah, Tony Fenech as Caiaphas, Silvio Axisa as Annas, Jeremy Grech as Ezer and Matthew Balzan as Barabbas.

Direction is in the hands of Mr Fenech while choreography is assigned to Michelle Zerafa.

The play is being held tomorrow, on Wednesday and  on Thursday at 7.30pm. Proceeds from the entrance fees will go towards the Malta Community Chest Fund Foundation. In order to ensure a better experience for each member of the audience, tickets are limited and prior booking is highly recommended. For more information or to reserve your place, call on 7991 8578/2122 0665 or send an e-mail to ilmixja@gmail.com or send a message on the official Facebook page Il-Mixja 2017. One may also choose to book online from www.ilmixja.com.

Luce e Ombra

Luce e Ombra (light and shade), a personal exhibition consisting of sacred art by one of Malta’s leading sculptors, Chris Ebejer, is being held inside the baroque refectory of the Cathedral Museum at Mdina.

The 37-year-old artist is well known for his work on a number of public monuments in Malta and also one in China,  which include a number of works in terracotta, bronze and white ceramics.  The figurative and the relief sculptures are the result of long hours of profound thinking reflected in the modelling of these figures and their expressions.

Luce e Ombra features works in design bronzes, terracotta and also white ceramics.

The exhibition gives reference to Christ triumphalism over darkness and also its title is being applied for the sharp contrasts that light and shade characterise the surface of the sculpture and gives it a three-dimensional effect.

Luce e Ombra is linked to sacred art taking viewers into the spirit of the days of Holy Week.

Luce e Ombra at Mdina Catheral Museum runs until April 30, Monday to Saturday from 9.30am to 5pm. For further information, visit www.chrisebejer.com.

A Holy journey

Mixja Qaddisa (Holy Journey) is the name of a sacred art exhibition by international artist Amadeo Brogli.

This event, being held in Gozo in collaboration with Ta’ Pinu National Sanctuary, features various works related to the life of Jesus Christ and Our Lady, with special reference to the Holy Journey to Calvary.

Brogli is an Italian artist who lives in Rome and is renowned in the Italian art scene and the film industry. He received academic credentials from Academia di Belle Arte in Naples.

Brogli also has work of arts with another famous Italian artist, Renato Guttuso, exhibited in Varese and Messina.

He has worked in film scenography and with the Orsay Museum in Paris.

The curator of this sacred art exhibition is Fr Charles Cini, SDB.

Mixja Qaddisa is being held in the exhibition hall of the Ministry for Gozo, Victoria, until April 29.