‘Ljieli Teatrali’ Brings Maltese Theatre to the Silver Screen

Imagine this: the dimmed lights of the Eden Cinemas in St. Julian’s, the hushed anticipation of an audience, and then, instead of the usual Hollywood blockbuster, the opening scene of a classic Maltese play unfolds on the big screen. This is not a dream sequence, but a reality thanks to ‘Ljieli Teatrali’, a unique initiative that’s reviving Maltese theatre in a whole new way.

From Stage to Screen

‘Ljieli Teatrali’ is the brainchild of local theatre enthusiast and filmmaker, Mario Philip Azzopardi. The project aims to preserve and promote Maltese theatre by adapting popular plays into feature-length films, shot in front of a live audience, and then screened in cinemas. “I wanted to bring theatre to a wider audience,” says Azzopardi, “and what better way than to combine the best of both worlds – the intimacy of theatre with the grandeur of cinema?”

The first play to get the ‘Ljieli Teatrali’ treatment was ‘Il-Gżira’ (The Island), a poignant drama by Maltese playwrights Alfred Sant and Joe Friggieri. Shot in the historic Teatru Manoel in Valletta, the film captures the essence of the original play while offering a cinematic experience that’s both engaging and accessible.

Reviving Maltese Theatre

Malta has a rich theatrical tradition, with plays dating back to the 18th century. However, with the rise of television and other forms of entertainment, theatre has seen a decline in popularity. ‘Ljieli Teatrali’ is not just about filming plays, but also about reigniting interest in Maltese theatre. “We’re not just preserving these plays for posterity,” explains Azzopardi, “we’re also introducing them to a new generation of theatre-goers.”

the project is creating new opportunities for local actors, directors, and crew. “It’s a win-win situation,” says actor and ‘Il-Gżira’ star, Tricia Dawn Wilmot. “We get to perform in these beautiful plays, and we’re also learning new skills working on film sets.”

How to Get Involved

If you’re interested in catching a ‘Ljieli Teatrali’ screening, keep an eye on the Eden Cinemas schedule. The films are shown regularly, and there are plans to expand to other cinemas around Malta. If you’re a theatre enthusiast or a filmmaker interested in getting involved, you can contact Mario Philip Azzopardi via his website (marioazopardi.com).

As for the future of ‘Ljieli Teatrali’, Azzopardi is optimistic. “We’ve got a pipeline of plays ready to go,” he reveals. “From comedies to tragedies, we want to cover the whole spectrum of Maltese theatre.”

So, the next time you find yourself at the cinema, you might just find yourself drawn into the world of Maltese theatre. And who knows? You might just fall in love with it.