RepubblikGħana: Bringing Malta’s History To Life Through Music And Theatre
The Minister for the Arts, Owen Bonnici, together with the Minister for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation, Clifton Grima, have announced the launch of “RepubblikGħana,” a vibrant school production designed to educate and engage students in the story of Malta’s transition to a republic. This production uniquely integrates għana, the traditional Maltese folk song, as a narrative tool.
During the launch, Minister Owen Bonnici highlighted how “RepubblikGħana” will contribute to preserving Malta’s cultural traditions while fostering a sense of national identity and pride among youth and children. He underscored the educational and cultural value of such initiatives, which bridge future generations with our historical heritage.
Minister Clifton Grima emphasised the critical role of education and culture in shaping society, noting that they are essential to our identity and distinction from others. He stated that education facilitates learning, the acquisition of knowledge, skills and values, and is interwoven with various community-building sectors, including culture.
“By linking education with culture, we offer an additional dimension to learning—one that is as important as the education students receive in their classrooms,” Minister Grima explained.
The unique aspect of this showcase is the integration of għana, the traditional Maltese folk song, as a storytelling medium. The production features various styles of għana, including għana tal-fatt, makjetti and other traditional forms, accompanied by the iconic sounds of the Maltese guitar.
“RepubblikGħana” is aimed at primary and secondary school students, combining musical and theatrical elements with a narrative rooted in Malta’s cultural and historical heritage. The production will debut at St. Elmo Primary School, Valletta, on Wednesday, 15th January 2025, at 10:30 am.
As part of this educational initiative, the book “The Republic of Malta: The First Fifty Years” will be distributed to all schools.