‘Ljieli Teatrali’ Brings Maltese Theatre to the Silver Screen

Imagine this: the dim lights of the Eden Cinemas in St. Julian’s, the hush of an audience, and then, the opening scene of ‘Il-Gżira tal-Mulej’ unfolds on the big screen. This isn’t a movie premiere, but a unique initiative by ‘Ljieli Teatrali’ that’s bringing Maltese theatre to life in a whole new way.

Reviving Maltese Theatre: A New Chapter

‘Ljieli Teatrali’ is a local organisation dedicated to preserving and promoting Maltese theatre. Their latest project, ‘Teatru f’Il-Film’, is a breakthrough. It’s not just about recording plays for posterity; it’s about reviving Maltese theatre, making it accessible to a wider audience, and even attracting new talent.

“We wanted to make Maltese theatre accessible to everyone,” says Daniel Azzopardi, the driving force behind ‘Ljieli Teatrali’. “Not everyone can make it to the theatre, but everyone can go to the cinema. We’re bringing theatre to them.”

From Stage to Screen: The Process

The process of transforming a stage play into a cinematic experience is complex. It involves high-definition cameras, professional lighting, and a lot of planning. ‘Ljieli Teatrali’ collaborates with local theatre companies and directors to ensure the plays are adapted for the screen without losing their essence.

Take ‘Il-Gżira tal-Mulej’, for instance. Directed by Michael Mangion, this play about a group of friends on a remote island was a challenge to film. But with creative camera angles and careful editing, the final product is a compelling blend of theatre and cinema.

Screenings and Beyond

So far, ‘Ljieli Teatrali’ has screened ‘Il-Gżira tal-Mulej’ and ‘L-Għawdex’, with more plays in the pipeline. Screenings are held at Eden Cinemas, with plans to expand to other cinemas around Malta and Gozo.

But ‘Ljieli Teatrali’ isn’t stopping at screenings. They’re also using these films as educational tools. “We’re working with schools to use these films as part of their Maltese language and culture curriculum,” Azzopardi explains.

they’re attracting new talent. “We’ve had actors approach us, interested in being part of future projects,” Azzopardi says. “It’s a new way of doing theatre, and it’s exciting.”

So, if you’ve ever wanted to experience Maltese theatre but haven’t had the chance, now’s your opportunity. And who knows? You might just catch the theatre bug. As Azzopardi puts it, “Once you see Maltese theatre on the big screen, you’ll want to see it live.”