Il-Ħanina Maddalena will premiere in July as part of the Malta International Arts Festival.

A new Maltese musical telling the story of the Magdalene Sisters of Valletta will premiere in July as part of the Malta International Arts Festival.

Il-Ħanina Maddalena (The Merciful Magdalene), which is inspired by true events, is set in the 18th century and follows the story of three verginelle who join Valletta’s monastery of St Mary Magdalene.

Today, the tiny chapel in Merchants Street, Valletta, is one of the few remaining reminders of this order, which inspired the story behind the musical.

Written by Simon Bartolo and Loranne Vella and with music by Dominic Galea, Il-Ħanina Maddalena will feature more than 50 artists, including singers Chiara, Amber, Leontine and Dorothy Bezzina. It is directed by Josette Ciappara, with choreography by Dorian Mallia and Diane Portelli.

This musical is part of the Malta International Arts Festival and was commissioned by Valletta 2018 and Festivals Malta. It is supported by PBS Malta, the Malta Film Commission and the Valletta Local Council.

Il-Ħanina Maddalena will premiere on July 18 at Pjazza Teatru Rjal, Valletta. More performances will follow on July 20 to 22 and 25 to 29.Tickets are available at www.ilhanina.com.

For more information, call on 2339 7000.

The musical was written by Simon Bartolo and Loranne Vella, with music by Dominic Galea. It is directed by Josette Ciappara, with choreography by Dorian Mallia and Diane Portelli, and will feature more than 50 artists.