The story-line is known by almost everyone.  A seemingly virtuous man became very popular in his time because he performed miracles. He was deemed subversive and dangerous by the political/religious elite and was condemned to death. He is reported to have said that he would conquer death. His words and deeds still resonate today.

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But Dwal Ġodda theatre group tackles the plot of this story from different perspectives in their yearly two-act production in combination with the traditional Good Friday procession at Għargħur, which is held on Palm Sunday, April 14. The theme chosen for this year is human nakedness. This is contrasted with that of the Nazarene when crucified. In this scenario a fundamental question emerges: If Jesus claimed that he was the Son of God, was it God that was crucified naked?

At 5pm, during the first act, the Nazarene’s words and deeds are contrasted with humanity’s frailties.  Notwithstanding the technological ‘miracles’ of our times, ‘Hosana’ and ‘Crucify him’ are still mirrored in man’s inhumanity to man, as crucifixions are still carried out. 

The Good Friday traditional procession leads to the second act. At sunset, as the statues are nearing the stage on the church parvis, a theatrical discussion ensues between traditional characters (Mary Magdalene, Judas, Simon from Cirene) and the chorus representing 21st century mankind.

Is human nakedness being rendered vulgar as Jesus transformed it into beauty through his crucifixion? As we are still crucifying ourselves and others, the audience can decide if His crucifixion is still occurring as a mirror-image and whether Christ’s resurrection is just a fairy-tale.

If Jesus claimed that he was the Son of God, was it God that was crucified naked?

Parts of the performance-text are in English for emphasis, and so that tourists and non-Maltese spectators can partake. Dwal Ġodda will give two performances of Alla Mneżża’ at Spazju Teatrali (close to the Għargħur parish church), on Tuesday and Wednesday at 7.30pm, for the benefit of those who like to better savour the production by experiencing it twice.  Entrance is free.

On Palm Sunday, a park-and-ride shuttle system will be operating with the collaboration of the Għargħur local council, from the near the old Trade Fair grounds in Naxxar, to Għargħur and back, between 4.30pm and 10.30pm.

Dwal Ġodda is a community-based theatre group drawing its inspiration from its grassroots, tackling canonical texts, but also devising its own productions, as an outreach to those who do not feel at ease in an established-theatre ambience.