Spazju Kreattiv is this weekend hosting Rediffusion Jippreżenta..., a play that explores the historical aspect of the first radio plays broadcast in Malta while  showing how these were produced.

Influenced by the radio plays on BBC Radio in the UK, Rediffusion made its radio play debut in 1943 with L-Għenieqa ta’ Wiżu, written by novelist Kelinu Vella Haber and inspired by a story of Sir Temi Zammit.

Radio plays became widely popular locally in August 1950 when the Malta Drama League brought together a number of companies and actors in a joint effort to put up various plays for Rediffusion.

The first-ever soap opera on Rediffusion was Ħajja Maltija written by Fr Wistin Born, who is mostly renowned for his novel Is-Salib tal-Fidda. Each episode was 15 minutes long and aired several times a week.

These plays were broadcast live, meaning that sound effects had to be produced in the moment: from the slightest creaking door to the loudest of storms.

Author Trevor Zahra and Toni Sant, who penned the book Remembering Rediffusion in Malta, are behind Rediffusion Jippreżenta... which was previewed to schools and is now being staged for the public.

The cast includes Henry Zammit Cordina, Carlos Farrugia, Rachel Micallef, Aaron Fenech, Charles Falzon, Chris Grech and Leighanne Abela under the direction of Joseph Galea.

Rediffusion Jippreżenta..., certified 11+, is being staged at St James Cavalier in Valletta, tomorrow and on Saturday at 8pm. For bookings or more details, visit www.kreattivita.org or call 2122 3200.

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