‘Ljieli Teatrali’ Brings Maltese Theatre to Cinema Screens

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, but a reality thanks to ‘Ljieli Teatrali’, a unique initiative that’s reviving Maltese theatre in a whole new way.

Reviving Maltese Theatre for a Modern Audience

‘Ljieli Teatrali’ is the brainchild of local theatre enthusiasts, Joseph Zammit and Antonella Axisa. Their mission? To make Maltese theatre accessible to a wider audience by screening plays in cinemas. “We want to reach people who might not typically go to the theatre,” says Zammit. “Cinemas are more accessible, and the experience is different, but no less engaging.”

The project kicked off in 2019 with the screening of ‘Il-Gżira tal-Milied’, a popular play by Malta’s national poet Dun Karm Psaila. The response was overwhelming, with sold-out shows and positive feedback from audiences. Since then, ‘Ljieli Teatrali’ has been a regular feature on the local cultural calendar, screening plays like ‘L-Għajdun’ by Ġużè Aquilina and ‘L-Ewlenin’ by Ħamrun Theatre Group.

From Stage to Screen: The Production Process

Transforming a stage production into a cinematic experience is no easy task. ‘Ljieli Teatrali’ works closely with local theatre groups, recording their plays in high-definition and editing them for the big screen. “It’s about capturing the essence of the play while making the most of the cinematic experience,” explains Axisa. “We use multiple cameras, close-ups, and dynamic editing to engage the audience.”

The process also involves subtitles, making the plays accessible to a broader audience, including tourists and non-Maltese speakers. “We want everyone to enjoy Maltese theatre,” says Zammit. “Subtitles are a small but important detail that helps us achieve this.”

More Than Just a Screen: The Impact of ‘Ljieli Teatrali’

‘Ljieli Teatrali’ is more than just a novel way to watch theatre. It’s a testament to the resilience and adaptability of Maltese culture. In an era where traditional theatre faces challenges, this initiative finds a new way to keep it alive and thriving. “We’re not replacing traditional theatre,” says Axisa. “We’re complementing it, reaching new audiences, and creating a buzz around Maltese theatre.”

‘Ljieli Teatrali’ is fostering a new generation of theatre lovers. “We’ve seen young people at our screenings,” says Zammit. “They might not have gone to a traditional theatre, but they’re open to Maltese culture in this format.”

For those eager to catch the next ‘Ljieli Teatrali’ screening, keep an eye on their Facebook page for updates. The team is also open to suggestions for future plays. “We want this to be a collaborative effort,” says Axisa. “If you have a favourite Maltese play you’d like to see on the big screen, let us know!”

So, the next time you’re at Eden Cinemas, don’t be surprised if you find yourself watching a Maltese play instead of the latest action flick. It’s all part of ‘Ljieli Teatrali’s’ mission to bring Maltese theatre to life, one screen at a time.