In January, Teatru Manoel commemorated its 290th anniversary. It is celebrating with an exhilarating show celebrating the legendary music of Sweden’s most famous pop group ABBA, the Maltese debut of a hit play and a family-friendly Karnival-inspired spectacular to make its February line-up unmissable.
GOLD: Celebrating 50 Years of Music by Sweden’s Most Famous Pop Group features the timeless songs of ABBA performed live for three shows only, on 10, 11 and 12 February. Produced by Teatru Manoel, Creative Artist Antoine Farrugia and Band Leader Melchior Busuttil direct a stellar cast of singers including Jasmine Abela, Michela Galea, Martina Borg, Glen Vella, Kevin Borg and Ludwig Galea, supported by dancers choreographed by Celaine Buhagiar.
Between 18-20 February, for the first time in Malta audiences can experience Ir-Raġel li Ħawwad lil Martu ma’ Kappell, a new Maltese language adaptation of Peter Brook’s hit play based on the book The Man Who Mistook His Wife For a Hat by eminent neurologist Oliver Sacks. Translated into Maltese and directed by Mario Philip Azzopardi, this unique Manoel production explores the bizarre case histories of Sacks’ neurological patients via some of Malta’s best performers including Mikhail Basmadjian, Ray Calleja, Vince Micallef Pulè and Charles Sammut.
The Manoel completes the month with a sensational carnival spectacle staged on 27 and 28 February and 1 March. Il-Karnival fil-Manoel… Kuluri u Fantasija (Carnival at the Manoel… Colours and Fantasy) will thrill the whole family with a journey into the vivid world of Malta’s Karnival, as part of Festivals Malta’s official carnival programme. This TOI TOI production, written and directed by Brian Bonnici, features the TOI TOI Collective, with Sarah Amato, Charlotte Formosa and Bertha Farrugia alongside guest artist Jeremy Grech, as they tell the story of Karnival through drama, dance, projections, games and singing. Introducing several characters including Grandmaster Manoel de Vilhena and Perlinu, the popular puppet who comes to life, Il-Karnival fil-Manoel also features breath-taking costumes from dance and costume carnival competitions from recent years.
“February at Teatru Manoel promises another packed programme of unforgettable productions,” says Teatru Manoel CEO Massimo Zammit. “From fun and uplifting shows to dramatic debuts, this month the Manoel remains, as Malta’s national theatre, the firm and fitting foundation of the island’s vibrant and talented arts scene.”
GOLD: Celebrating 50 Years of Music by Sweden’s Most Famous Pop Group will take place on 10, 11, 12 February, with all performances starting at 8pm. Ir-Raġel li Ħawwad lil Martu ma’ Kappell runs on Friday 18 February at 8pm, Saturday 19 February at 8pm, and Sunday 20 February at 3pm and 7pm. Il-Karnival fil-Manoel… Kuluri u Fantasija will take place on 27 February at 11am and 4pm, 28 February at 3pm and 1 March at 11am. Events at Teatru Manoel adhere to all current COVID-19 guidelines. Tickets are available via email to bookings.mt@teatrumanoel.mt, by telephone to (+356) 21246389 or online at www.teatrumanoel.mt.
