From War of the Worlds to Frankenstien to Bertolt Brecht’s Galileo, science has always been a hot topic in literature, theatre and film. Science in the City, which takes place on Friday from 6pm, continues this tradition by putting up short science-themed films and plays.
Performances will fill Republic Street in Valletta, Pjazza Teatru Rjal, St James Cavalier, and an open-air cinema on the City Gate steps.
At 6.30pm visitors can start with science theatre piece Rexo Cleans up the Universe. This play, performed by students from St Nicholas College Middle School in collaboration with More or Less Theatre Company, transports the audience to year 9999 where evil Galactrons invade our galaxy. A comedy of errors unfolds as, instead of famous interplanetary super-spy Jeffrey Smartbux, the galaxy’s fate lies in the hands of his idiotic janitor brother, Rexo, his trusty plunger.
Adult audiences may find Get Your Act Together more to their taste. Għajn Ma Tara by Simone Ellul and Qalb Tħabbat by Lizzie Eldridge will be performed at 7.30pm and 9pm respectively at St James Cavalier. These plays feature themes ranging from rampant environmental destruction to our troubles with technology. The plays will be followed by an open-forum discussion experts on the topics.
The CineXjenza series combines science-themed cinema and discussion on the steps by Parliament Building after sunset. The film Ben is a story about family, friendship and how differences are not limitations. This Is Our Home is a short, artistic piece by Pierre Ellul provoking emotive thoughts on environmental issues in Malta. At the end of the screenings there will be discussions on the film topics.
For more information, visit www.scienceinthecity.org.mt.