Id-Dnub Tal-Magħżulin: A Bold and Captivating Contemporary Reimagining Of A Classic Bible Tale
A new contemporary Maltese-language play by Adrian Buckle and Trevor Zahra has raised the stakes for the 2025 theatre season with a bold and audacious retelling of a renowned biblical story.
Staged at the Valletta Campus Theatre from 31st January for two weekends, Id-Dnub tal-Magħżulin reinterprets the tale of David and Jonathan, exploring their intricate and captivating relationship amid King Saul’s escalating paranoia, fear, and authoritarian rule.
Under the direction of Tyrone Grima, this adaptation offers a fresh perspective on a biblical episode that has intrigued scholars for centuries.
The relationship between David and Jonathan is reimagined as a story of forbidden love—a ‘Romeo and Romeo’ narrative that remains deeply relevant today. The play delves into themes of jealousy and loyalty, love in adversity, and the universal human need for connection, making it a poignant and timely production.
Blending historical elements with compelling drama, Id-Dnub tal-Magħżulin breathes new life into a well-known tale, infusing it with heightened emotion and depth. The play traces David’s ascent from a humble shepherd and musician—whose melodies soothe King Saul’s tormented mind—to a fearless warrior whose feats, include the defeat of Goliath and the grisly task of retrieving 200 Philistine foreskins to claim his bride.
At the heart of the narrative lies the profound connection between David and Jonathan. Their initial meeting ignites an intense and magnetic bond—one that is both exhilarating and fraught with danger.
As Saul’s suspicion and paranoia deepen, Jonathan finds himself torn between loyalty to his father and his undeniable love for David. Though he never openly defies Saul, Jonathan commits to protecting David, forging a covenant that ultimately seals both their destinies.
A must-see for theatre lovers, Id-Dnub tal-Magħżulin boasts an exceptional cast: Peter Galea as Saul, Miguel Formosa as Jonathan, and Benjamin Abela as David, with Sean Borg, Mandy Muscat, Stefan Farrugia, Josue Formosa, Bernard Zammit, and Matthias Zarb in supporting roles.
The production is further elevated by original music that set the performance in time, a striking yet simple set design to pull all focus to the characters, dynamic lighting, and contemporary-inspired costumes that bridges the ancient narrative into a more contemporary setting, complimenting the themes of the play.
With intimate and tender moments that vividly capture the love between Jonathan and David, the play is captivating, emotionally charged, and, at times, heartbreaking. The chemistry between the leads makes for an unforgettable theatrical experience, drawing audiences into a timeless story of love and sacrifice.
Beyond its gripping performances, Id-Dnub tal-Magħżulin also offered audiences an opportunity for deeper reflection. Those attending the Friday night performances on 31st January and 7th February had the chance to join Professor Josef Mario Briffa SJ for a post-show discussion and Q&A session. A biblical scholar and archaeologist, Briffa provided historical and cultural insights into the story of David and Jonathan, enhancing the audience’s appreciation of the play’s themes.
With its intense, heartfelt, and thought-provoking performances, Id-Dnub tal-Magħżulin is an unmissable production. This daring reimagining of a biblical classic not only challenges perspectives but also resonates with contemporary audiences, celebrating love, courage, and resilience in the face of oppression. A theatre experience that lingers long after the final curtain falls, it is a production that inspires dialogue and invites reflection.
If you want to catch this must-see play before its final performance, visit Ticketline for tickets to the last show tonight at 19:30.
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