Come For The Game, Stay For The Art: Malta’s Notre Dame Gate Transformed Into Interactive Theatre Experience This Weekend
Każin Barokk by Valletta 2018 is an exciting new show which will transport you into a world of immersive arts and culture. On the 14th, 15th and 16th of September you can have the chance to experience this interactive set piece first-hand and be thrust into this imaginative production.
1. It’s inspired by literary masterpieces
This theatrical performance is inspired by great literary works like Fyodor Dostoevsky’s The Gambler and Jean-Francois Regnard’s The Gamester.
2. It will explore current issues and concepts
This immersive performance will feature fast-food franchises, local traditions, socio-economic realities, and delve into the themes of identity, and saints and sinners, tying the knot between the baroque and contemporary. These will be explored through various art forms, including song, dance, lights and architecture.
3. The location is magical
Malta has its own Notre Dame Gate and Każin Barokk will be hosted there!
The Notre Dame Gate in limits of Birgu was built in the 17th century, poised atop the highest point of the Three Cities where it acts as the main gate to the Cottonera Lines.
This 400-year-old gate was of great importance to the cities’ defence, and will be transformed into a beautiful maze complete with baroque choirs, live music, real-time videos and robotics.
4. It will make you question your identity
The crux of the Każin Barokk experience lies in the audience’s ability to affect the course of the performance as they please. How much are you willing to risk? Will you work towards a happy ending or a disastrous one? Will you take the left door, or the right door?
5. This exciting show will keep you on your toes
Literally. You’ll be exploring the Notre Dame Gate throughout the performance, making this interactive concept a physical one too.
6. There’s something for everyone
Każin Barokk promises an ethereal baroque pastiche, blending old and new, classic and modern, homage and reinvention. The visual experience along with the ability to control the intricate mechanics on set will impress both art lovers and technology buffs alike.
7. Meet the team making it all possible
Concept + Libretto + Directing: Elli Papakonstantinou
Performers: Anastasia Katsinavaki, Pantelis Makkas, Tilemachos Mousas, Marie Keiser-Nielsen, Marta Vella
Male vocal soloist ensemble: Franco Vella (tenor), Karl Cassar (tenor), Daniel Micallef Grimaud (baritone), Masa-hiro Taniguchi (bass)
Brass ensemble players from Tikka Banda: Wayne Bonello (Bb Trumpet), Joshua Farrugia (Bb Trumpet), Justin Formosa (Bb Baritone), Antoine Schembri (Trombone), Rebe Barbara (Tuba)
Video Design + Real-time video + Set and Costumes Design: Pantelis Makkas
Choir conductor + composer + arranger: Alex Vella Gregory
Music composition + live guitar + electronics: Tilemachos Moussas
Choreography: Spyros Kouvaras Dramaturgical collaboration: Bettina Borg Cardona
Construction + programming of the Robot: Robotic Design and Engineering: I+A
Lighting design: Olympia Mytilinaiou Music coaching: Tilemachos Moussas, Alex Vella Gregory
Assistant Director: Cemre Kara, Anastasia Katsinavaki
Stage Technician: Edgar Dimech
Communication: Valletta 2018
Produced by Valletta 2018