‘Ljieli Teatrali’ Brings Maltese Theatre to the Silver Screen

Imagine this: the dimmed lights of the Eden Cinemas in St. Julian’s, the hush 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 light.

Reviving a Tradition

‘Ljieli Teatrali’ is the brainchild of Teatru Malta, the national theatre organisation, and Spazju Kreattiv, Malta’s national centre for creativity. The project aims to preserve and promote Maltese theatre by digitising and screening classic plays in cinemas across the country. It’s a breath of fresh air for local theatre enthusiasts and a fascinating introduction for those new to the art form.

“We wanted to make Maltese theatre accessible to a wider audience,” explains Sean Buhagiar, Artistic Director at Teatru Malta. “Cinemas offer a different experience from traditional theatre spaces. They’re comfortable, and they attract people who might not usually consider going to a theatre performance.”

From Stage to Screen

The process of adapting a stage play for the big screen is no small feat. Each play is filmed in a studio, with a live audience, to capture the energy and atmosphere of a theatre performance. The result is a unique blend of theatre and cinema, offering viewers the best of both worlds.

So far, ‘Ljieli Teatrali’ has screened plays like ‘Il-Gżira tal-Mulatt’ (The Mullet Island) by Ġużè Aquilina and ‘L-Għannejja’ (The Shepherds) by Ġanni Bonnici. Upcoming screenings include ‘L-Għawdxija’ (The Gozitan) by Francis Ebejer, set to hit the screens at the Eden Cinemas this October.

A New Chapter for Maltese Theatre

‘Ljieli Teatrali’ is more than just a screening project. It’s a testament to the resilience and adaptability of Maltese theatre. In a time when traditional theatre spaces are facing challenges, this initiative shows that there’s still plenty of room for creativity and innovation.

For Buhagiar, the future of Maltese theatre is bright. “We’re seeing a new generation of theatre-makers emerging, with fresh ideas and perspectives. Projects like ‘Ljieli Teatrali’ are not just about preserving our theatrical heritage, but also about creating a vibrant, dynamic future for Maltese theatre.”

So, if you find yourself in St. Julian’s on a theatre night, don’t be surprised if you’re drawn into the world of Maltese theatre, not in a traditional theatre space, but in the comfort of a cinema seat. It’s a unique experience that’s well worth a try.