Experience Caravaggio’s Rise And Fall In A Spectacular New Musical In Valletta
A brand-new musical based on the life of the legendary Italian artist Michelangelo Merisi di Caravaggio is scheduled to debut at the Mediterranean Conference Centre – and you do not want to miss it.
Brought to you by acclaimed novelist Joe Julian Farrugia and popular composer Paul Abela, this unique experience is all about the real life drama and inspiration found in Caravaggio’s life.
You may be familiar with some of his masterpieces, including The Beheading of St John The Baptist or St Jerome. But here’s three things you probably didn’t know about him:
1. The Streets
He pulled people from the streets to model for him, a style known as ‘drawn from life’. In fact, the paintings with religious figures represent well-known prostitutes of the time.
In the musical, a competing artist named Baglione sets out to discredit Caravaggio after he startlingly realises the Virgin Mary in the artist’s Madonna di Loreto painting resembles a particular prostitute by the name of Lena.
2. Diagnosis
Due to his dramatic mood swings, if Caravaggio were alive today, he most likely would have received a “bipolar” disorder diagnosis.
His inner demons, Chiaro (lightness) and Scuro (darkness), who reflect the chaotic processes of his brain, are featured in the musical.
3. Sexuality
Caravaggio was bisexual, and throughout his brief but intense life, he had relationships with both men and women, according to historians.
Through his interactions with some of the other colourful characters, the musical’s protagonist’s sexuality will be brought to life.
Cameron Walker-Pow, a performer on the West End, will portray Caravaggio himself in the stunning show.
Under the direction of Malcolm Galea, the cast also features some of Malta’s most recognisable voices, including: Roger Tirazona, Lawrence Gray and Neville Refalo as well as other local artists Talitha Dimech, Kateriana Fenech, and Ryan Grech.
The show features a live orchestra conducted by Mr. Paul Abela, as well as stunning choreography by Felix Busuttil of the YADA Dance Company.
If you’re curious to know more about Caravaggio’s life, don’t miss Caravaggio – The Musical.
Book your seats for a show – or two! – between 20th and 25th September at the MCC (Mediterranean Conference Centre) in Valletta.
You can buy your tickets from showshappening.com.
Photo credits: Darren Agius
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