Maltese Romeo And Juliet Get Engaged In Real Life Weeks Before Taking The Stage Together
One Maltese couple embarked on their own romantic journey, getting engaged only two weeks before playing the leads in Romeo and Juliet together.
Gianni Selvaggi and Tina Rizzo have been together for a decade. Ever since the groom-to-be laid eyes on his future wife, who at the time was cast in (believe it or not), Romeo and Juliet.
Now the lovebirds have come full circle after Romeo popped the magic question on the eve of their tenth anniversary.
Lovin Malta sat with Gianni, who told us all about the journey that led to the moment.
“During the pandemic, we ended up being cast in the same plays, playing husband and wife in plays and film productions like ‘Is-Sriep Reġgħu Saru Velenużi’.”
The two then worked alongside each other on stage for the first time during ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ and ‘Girl In The Machine’.
“In the last two years we really ended up working together with characters linked to one another,” he added.
“The thing I love most about working with Tina in the rehearsal room is that we’re professional and independent individuals who focus on our work and on what we could bring to the table.”
But despite being professional, Gianni couldn’t set aside his glee at the idea of a happily-ever-after with his own Juliet.
“I’m very lucky that I get to share my personal and professional life with a strong, dedicated, and caring person like Tina.”
“I love that we have each other as an all-around support system, being both partners and individual artists who understand the difficulties of the performing arts sector.”
The production company heaped praise on the two stars, announcing the news on their own Facebook page.
“Two of our favourite actors and favourite humans have only gone and got engaged in real life a few weeks before they take to the stage together as Romeo and Juliet,” they wrote.
“From the entire WhatsTheirNames family, we’re wishing them a lifetime of love, happiness, and adventure (and hopefully making plays with us forever).”
Lovin Malta extends its congratulations to the husband and wife to be!