Former prime minister Alfred Sant put on his playwright’s hat and steadfastly refused to be drawn into any controversy over his latest play, which is to open at Teatru Pjazza Rjal on July 11 and run until July 16.
Commissioned by the Valletta 2018 Foundation, Balzunetta Towers tackles one of Malta’s most flagrant secrets of Malta – Balzunetta – also known as Strait Street’s naughty sister in Floriana. Ironically, Balzunetta was located in the environs of the seminary, the police headquarters and the Armed Forces headquarters.
The story unfolds as an international businessman – Donald Trump Junior – makes a deal with a local contractor to build a high-rise tower near Valletta and they earmark the Balzunetta area. They actually buy the Curia and the Police Depot but find it hard to buy off the last barmaid of Balzunetta who does not want to sell because of her memories.
However, all Vanessa Macdonald’s efforts to get him to talk about the ties between businessmen and politics, and to draw out his experience when prime minister failed spectacularly.
Balzunetta Towers, one of the events of the Malta International Arts Festival 2017, involves more than 100 people, including cartoonist Seb Tanti Burlò who collaborated on the set design together with Norman Hill ‘iċ-Ciccio’, known for his work on Carnival floats, and lights designer Andrew Zammit.
The choreographer is university professor Jo Butterworth while Conrad Attard, who is renowned for his work at Għaxaq carnival, designed the masks. Architect Adrian Mamo, who has been involved in theatre for the past 30 years, designed more than 200 costumes.
The phenomenal cast includes popular actors Davide Tucci, the comedian of international fame Chris Dingli, the magical voice of Doreen Galea, Josef Camileri from Xarulù, Justin Galea from group KażinSka, who is a star in Malta and on Youtube, Ozzy Lino, and talented actress Mariele Zammit. Other experienced actors include Michael Mangion, Antonella Axisa, Marilù Vella, Peter Busuttil,
The story unfolds as an international businessman – Donald Trump Junior – makes a deal with a local contractor to build a high-rise tower near Valletta
Other experienced actors include Michael Mangion, Antonella Axisa, Marilù Vella, Peter Busuttil, Manwel Cassar and Manuel Cutajar among others. Established dancers such as Dorian Mallia and Felix Busuttil will also form part of the spectacle.
Pjazza Teatru Rjal will be transformed into a spectacular cabaret stage, which will feature a live orchestra with top musicians, directed by composer Dominic Galea.
The lyrics were written by poet Albert Marshall. The producer and director is popular theatre director Sean Buhagiar.
The show is in Maltese with English sub-titles.
Balzunetta Towers is supported by Delicata Wines and Nenu The Artisan Baker.
Tickets from www.balzunettatowers.com, 2122 3216, or St James Cavalier, Valletta.