‘Ljieli Teatrali’ Brings Maltese Plays to the Big Screen

Imagine this: the dimmed lights of a packed cinema, the hush of anticipation, and then, instead of the usual Hollywood blockbuster, the opening scene of a Maltese play unfolds on the silver screen. This is not a dream sequence, but a reality thanks to ‘Ljieli Teatrali’, a unique initiative that’s bringing local theatre to the big screen.

Reviving Maltese Theatre

‘Ljieli Teatrali’ is the brainchild of local film producer and director, Adrian Sciberras. “I wanted to do something to help revive Maltese theatre,” he explains. “With cinemas closed due to the pandemic, I thought, why not bring theatre to the cinemas?”

The project has been a labour of love, involving meticulous planning and collaboration with local theatre companies. The first play to grace the big screen was ‘Il-Gudda fil-Għoxrin’, a comedy by Malta’s leading playwright, Francis Ebejer. The play was recorded live at the Teatru Manoel, Malta’s national theatre, and screened at Eden Cinemas in St. Julian’s.

From Stage to Screen

Converting a stage play into a cinematic experience is no easy feat. “We had to find the right balance between preserving the essence of the play and making it engaging for a cinema audience,” says Sciberras. Multiple cameras were used to capture different angles, and the play was edited to fit the cinema format.

The response from audiences has been overwhelmingly positive. “It’s not the same as being there in person,” says regular theatre-goer, Maria Attard, “but it’s the next best thing. I loved seeing Maltese theatre on the big screen.”

‘Ljieli Teatrali’ has big plans for the future. “We’re looking to screen more plays, including some classics that haven’t been performed in years,” says Sciberras. “We’re also open to collaborations with other theatre companies and filmmakers.”

For now, the initiative is a welcome boost for Maltese theatre, providing a new platform for local plays and attracting a wider audience. As Sciberras puts it, “This is just the beginning. We’re excited to see where ‘Ljieli Teatrali’ takes us.”