Another original script for this year’s Qarċilla

Main public figures will once again be amongst the main protagonists in this year’s ‘marriage’ at the Qarċilla event held at Fort St Angelo by Heritage Malta with the collaboration of the Department of Maltese within the University of Malta, the Ministry for Education and Employment and the Carnival Committee. The humorous and irreverent marriage contract read out during Carnival celebrations has once again been updated and given a modern twist.

The original qarċilla was written for the 1760 carnival festivities by Cospicua poet, Dun Feliċ Demarco. 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. The plot evolves around a man, acting as a notary, reading out a marital contract to the bride and groom-tobe. The contract, written in verse filled with satirical innuendos, humour and sexual connotations, outlines the things that the fiancé and fiancée have to give each other on their marriage.

This popular play, Iż-żwieġ la Maltija, was revamped and for the occasion is one of the most expected events during carnival celebrations. To rekindle interest in il-qarċilla, the humour of the original script had to be made more topical and this year’s edition focuses around a cruise and prominent public figures.

Il-Qarċilla will take place on tomorrow at 7pm at Fort St Angelo in Vittoriosa. 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.