Alan Bennett’s international hit that explores the anarchy of adolescence and the purpose of education will open Masquerade Theatre Company’s 2010-11 season.

The History Boys has received over 30 major awards, and will be performed for the first time in Malta on October 15 at the Manoel Theatre in Valletta.

The play features an unruly bunch of bright, funny sixth-form boys in pursuit of sex, sport and a place at the University. A maverick English teacher, played by Jon Rosser, is constantly at odds with a young shrewd supply teacher, played by Malcolm Galea. Both expand and parade their philosophies, and approach to teaching, in a battle of wit and words, which is, at times, both painfully funny and deeply moving. Put into the melting pot a headmaster, played by Colin Willis, obsessed with results and a history teacher, played by Nanette Brimmer, who thinks he’s a fool, and you have a potent and explosive mix.

Staff room rivalry and the anarchy of adolescence provoke insistent questions about history and how you teach it and, of course, more generally, about education and its purpose.

The pupils are played by Andrè George Agius, Luke Farrugia, Alexander Gatesy Lewis, Joseph Zammit, Francesco Catania, James M. Muscat, David Chircop and Paul Cuschieri.

Direction is by Andy Smith.

The History Boys will run from October 15-17 and booking is open from the Manoel Theatre.

www.masquerademalta.com