From Dark Comedy Shows To Music Festivals: Here Are 9 Exciting Events Happening In Malta This Week
Despite Malta’s tiny size, it has a lot to offer. From exhibitions to theatre to wine-ing and dining; this island is full of different events catered to all types of tastes.
So, we’ve decided to compile a list of nine of the most unique events happening this week in Malta in case you’re looking for something new to do, while also supporting local scenes.
1. Is-Snin Li Tħoss – Studio, Santa Lucija, Gozo – 8th June (theatre)
Clare Azzopardi’s Maltese translation of Haylee McGee’s ‘Age is a Feeling’, which premiered in Malta at Spazju Kreattiv last February, is now taking a quick trip to Gozo for one night only.
This “never-the-same-twice” solo show, starring Clare Agius and directed by Toni Attard, includes 12 stories that are interwoven in the person’s journey.
The audience is invited to choose which six out of the twelve stories they want to hear, revealing only parts of a person’s life, which, in turn, is never revealed in its entirety. Toni Attard describes the piece as an “open invitation to reflect on life, our relationship with age, and how we navigate through life’s choices”.
2. God of Carnage – Teatru Manoel, Valletta – 6th-9th June (Theatre Performance)
Andrè Agius directs a stellar cast, Chris Dingli, Chiara Hyzler, Charlotte Grech, and Pierre Stafrace in this gripping exploration of human nature and the thin veneer of civilization.
This dark comedy takes you into the world of high-stakes parental conflict, delving into the chaos that ensues when two sets of parents come together to discuss a playground quarrel between their 11-year-old sons. As tensions rise and civility crumbles, this play offers a hilarious and scathing commentary on modern social dynamics.
3. What’s Bugging You? – Basement Vaults of the Malta Society of Arts, Valletta – until 15th June (exhibition)
Ioulia Chante, a Greek architect and craftswoman behind Babau Ceramics, presents a visual narrative of emotions and fears that derive from the exhilarating rhythms of contemporary society. Balancing between functionalism and surrealism, Chante’s exploration of the human psyche through ceramics aims to give matter to everyday mental struggles, in a seemingly functional and familiar setting.
Chante is particularly intrigued by the concept of integrating pieces of art into everyday life. “Reflecting on the evolution of ceramic art, one can observe that many cultures throughout the years demonstrated exceptional creativity in crafting functional items that also served as works of art”.
4. fabricATE – Spazju Kreattiv, Valletta – until 23rd June (exhibition)
Gabriel Buttigieg reworks Graeco-Roman myths from Oedipus to Ovid, and subverts their narratives. Woven into fine fabric, each narrative presents itself in the guise of a metaphor for the moral, erotic, and spiritual questions that have troubled humans since the dawn of time. Curated by Lisa Gwen, Buttigieg fabricates new stories out of old.
5. Qari Sajfi – Il-Kamra ta’ Fuq, New Life Bar, Mqabba – 5th June (literature)
Join author and visual artist Ryan Falzon for an evening of readings from his novel SAJF, published in 2022. In addition to sharing passages from his novel, Falzon will offer a preview of extracts from his upcoming collection of short stories.
6. A Toast to Opera – Teatru Salesjan, Sliema – 5th June (opera)
For those seeking a deep dive into the world of opera, Opera Studio presents an unforgettable evening that transcends the ordinary.
The programme showcases excerpts from renowned Italian, French, and Maltese operas, promising an enthralling journey through the rich tapestry of operatic history. As Teatru Salesjan reopens its doors after extensive renovations, they are committed to providing a space that is not only a premiere venue for musical performances but also a cornerstone of Sliema’s cultural life.
7. Aperitivo Tasting Night – Upperfood, Swieqi – 7th June (food)
Making its annual comeback at Upperfood, you’ll be able to sample all of their premium Italian products during Aperitivo Tasting Night. Try a wide selection of Italy’s best products with this all-you-can-eat buffet, one drink, and music. Make sure to book your table on this reservation-only occasion.
8. Gypsy Swing – Felice Brasserie, Gzira – 8th June (music)
Stretta Swing presents a night of the finest gypsy jazz in Malta, promising stylish jazz and vintage swing. Taking their name from Strait Street in Valletta, the group began as a duo in 2015 with guitarists Joshua Bray and Mick Norris.
The group then became a trio with Šimon Kvasnička adding clarinet and sax to the top lines, and then settled into its current membership in 2019 with Diccon Cooper bringing up the low end with double bass. Playing in the tradition of Django Reinhart, Stéphane Grappelli, and Biréli Lagrène, their inimitable style of sprightly guitar-led happy-go-lucky gypsy-style swing has proved popular throughout Malta.
9. Earth Garden Festival – Picnic Area, Ta’ Qali – 6th-10th June (music)
The ultimate four-day festival experience is back where a fusion of music and diverse cultures come together. The festival features six stages offering various genres of music, workshops, talks, an Ethnic Market, various chillout areas, food courts, and camping areas.
Celebrating its 14th edition, Earth Garden has garnered recognition as one of the top 20 festivals in Europe, with this year’s line-up featuring over 140 artists.