Ljieli Teatrali: Breathing Life into Maltese Theatre on the Big Screen

Imagine this: the dimmed lights of the Eden Cinemas in St. Julian’s, the hum of eager chatter filling the air, and then, the curtains parting to reveal not a Hollywood blockbuster, but a stage set in the heart of Malta. This is not a dream, but a reality thanks to Ljieli Teatrali, a unique initiative reviving Maltese plays on the big screen.

Reviving the Stage, One Screening at a Time

Ljieli Teatrali, a brainchild of local theatre enthusiasts, is giving Maltese theatre a new lease of life. By recording and screening local plays in cinemas, they’re bringing the magic of Maltese theatre to a wider audience. “We wanted to make Maltese theatre more accessible,” says co-founder Maria Grech, “and what better way than to bring it to the comfort of our cinemas?”

The initiative kicked off last year with a screening of ‘Il-Gudda’ by Malta’s National Theatre, attracting over a hundred cinema-goers. Since then, they’ve screened plays like ‘L-Għannejja’ and ‘L-Ewlenin’, each time drawing in crowds hungry for local content.

From Stage to Screen: The Technicalities

But how does one translate a stage performance to the silver screen? “It’s a challenge,” admits Grech, “but with the right equipment and a lot of planning, it’s definitely doable.” Ljieli Teatrali uses high-definition cameras and professional sound equipment to capture the essence of the play. They also work closely with the theatre companies to ensure the transition from stage to screen is seamless.

One of the key aspects is capturing the intimacy of theatre. “Cinema screens are big, but we want the audience to feel like they’re right there in the theatre,” explains Grech. To achieve this, they use multiple camera angles and close-ups, drawing the audience into the story.

Local Theatre, Global Reach

While Ljieli Teatrali is currently focused on local screenings, they have bigger plans. “We’re looking into streaming these recordings online,” says Grech, “so Maltese theatre can reach a global audience.” This could open up new opportunities for Maltese playwrights and actors, putting Maltese theatre on the international stage.

But for now, they’re content with bringing theatre to the people of Malta. “We want everyone to experience the joy of Maltese theatre,” says Grech, “whether they’re in Valletta, Sliema, or Gozo.” And with plans to screen plays in cinemas across the islands, that’s exactly what they’re doing.

So, the next time you’re at the cinema, don’t be surprised if you find yourself not watching the latest action flick, but a captivating Maltese play. After all, Ljieli Teatrali is making sure that Maltese theatre is alive and kicking, one screening at a time.