Picture this: as you walk along Strait Street in Valletta you’re mentally transported to the good old days, taking in the bar signs that flash before your eyes – Loop Bar, Tico Tico, Larry’s Bar, White Star, Silver Horse, New York.

Getting it right: Alan Alpenfelt (left) with Angele Galea, one of the actors taking part in Secret Sound Stories, and author George Cini

But what about the stories that lie hidden behind the ageing and flaking walls of the bars, music halls and lodging houses as you meander along one of the narrowest streets in the capital city?

What romantic encounters took place in this alley, whose bad reputation had galloped miles before you even visited ? Which promises were kept and which betrayed? Which prayers remained unanswered?

Still harking after its Italian parentage, as the old name Strada Stretta implies, the street has a long and colourful history.

Several sheets of that history will unfold during Secret Sound Stories – in English and Maltese – in Strait Street tomorrow, Saturday and Sunday.

Using headphones, the audience will listen to memories narrated by seasoned actors Angele Galea, Bernard Satariano and Diandra Anne Mamo, who will be hidden in the surrounding, eerie buildings.

In this innovative manner you’ll immerse yourself in the bright lights, the private lives and live music that once filled this risqué hub of entertainment to the brim.

Tomorrow, there will be performances between 11am and 1pm and from 4.30 to 6.30pm.

Make people stop and use their imagination

On Saturday from 11am to 1pm and 3.30 to 5pm and Sunday from 2 to 4pm, the meeting place will be the Splendid, at 74, Strait Street. Taking part is free, but it’s best to book by calling 7935 1051.

The stories are based on the interviews featured in George Cini’s latest book, Strait Street: Secrets and Stories from Behind Closed Doors.

A member of the public immersed in Secret Sound Stories while apparently trying to make out where the actor telling the story is hidden.

With an intriguing touch of creative genius, Swiss writer Alan Alpenfelt has woven Mr Cini’s stories into a rainbow of fantasy that will hold listeners mesmerised.

Mr Alpenfelt says that his research “focuses more and more on how our existence is explained through the delicate blend of poetry and sound”.

“I believe that any kind of truth or sense can be found through absence, not substance,” he said.

“In a world of constant striving towards plenty, sound is what comes closest to subtraction. It never accumulates. It exists for a moment and then vanishes, leaving only a trace in our memory.

“For this reason, I developed a deep love for sound creations. They are what remains of ancient storytelling; they make people stop and invite them to use their imagination; they offer painting and creating one’s own story. If people listen well, they will change.”

And this is what Mr Alpenfelt does in the Secret Sound Stories he developed for Strait Street. He has toured the street over and over again, looking at the walls, standing and leaning against them, sometimes putting his nose as close as possible to them and closing his eyes, as if to go into a trance and feel what kind of energy the walls are transmitting, according to Mr Cini.

You’ll be able to listen to Secret Sound Stories tomorrow, Saturday and Sunday.

“Alan possesses this great ability to ignite his mental processes much like street entertainers do when they turn with much gusto the starting handle on a barrel organ,” said Mr Cini.

“I believe I can sense how his mind conjures colours and sounds using all his senses to get into the right mood to bind these stories together. He was elated by the impressive performance put on by the Maltese actors.”

The Secret Sound Stories performances form part of the Valletta 2018 events and are the result of collaboration between Altofest Malta and V XX Zweetz.

The scripts for Secret Sound Stories being polished during rehearsals.

Created and directed by Anna Gesualdi and Giovanni Trono, Altofest is a project that aims to empower communities to generate critical thinking, making them constantly alert to attempts to impose depersonalised cultural proposals upon them.

Last year, Altofest was among six of 175 theatre companies awarded the EFFE – the trophy for the top European arts festivals.

Bernard Satariano hides from view but has his eyes focused on the person listening to his animation in order to make the two-way connection as interactive as possible.