Il-Qarċilla – poetic farce and satirical innuendos at Fort St. Angelo

Heritage Malta will once again be treating its patrons to an original and unique Carnival event, Il-Qarċilla, at Fort St Angelo. The event is being organized in collaboration with the Department of Maltese within the University of Malta, the Ministry of Education and Employment and the Carnival Committee.

Il-Qarċilla is a poetic farce in Maltese which up to a hundred years ago formed part of the Carnival celebrations held in Valletta and was also very popular in a number of villages. A man, acting as a notary, would in the presence of two youngsters, acting as husband and wife-to-be, read out a marital contract in verse filled with satir- ical innuendos and humour. The crowd would gather in the streets of Valletta to listen to the poem which, in some instances, could require an adult audience.

Il-Qarċilla will take place at Fort St. Angelo in Vittoriosa on Monday 27 February at 7pm. The programme includes a short talk by Dr Olvin Vella about the linguistic value of the ancient qrieċel, a performance, and light refreshments. The brand new qarċilla, produced and directed by Joseph Galea, is written by Immanuel Mifsud.

The event is open to an adult audience from 18 years. Tickets at €15 and €12 for Heritage Malta members can be purchased from all Heritage Malta sites and museums and online.

For more information visit Heritage Malta’s website, www.heritagemalta.org