Street theatre in Gharghur

‘I loved, I destroyed, I trusted. I hurt’. These words encapsulate a ‘Silent Poem’ (‘Poezija Siekta’), which reflects on what life is all about. Someone from Nazareth is said to have lived, shouldered, nailed to his cross and sculpted it all for posterity when he emerged from his own tomb.

Dwal Godda’s theatrical production Poezija Siekta is encompassed in the traditional Good Friday procession on Palm Sunday (this year 25 March) and closely examines mankind’s inner voice, which lights and paves the way towards inner peace. Each and every one of us (from Pilate to Mary the Mother of Christ) feel this voice echoing within us, but we do not always recognise its urges.

Poezija Siekta invites everyone to Gharghur for a family theatrical feast, both traditional and para-liturgical, that raises the curtain on Holy Week celebrations. An elaborate stage is set up along the church parvis. At 4.30pm, on Palm Sunday, actors welcome the audience and at 5.00pm the first act commences: from the Nativity to the condemnation by Pilate, after asking: ‘What is Truth?’

The actors join the procession with the traditional statues which meanders through the streets of Gharghur accompanied by the St Bartholomew Band and Pax Christi Choir. By sunset, the statues are halted in front of the stage. Biblical characters, together with contemporary ones, initiate a theatrical discussion about whether we are burying or silencing our inner voices. The characters will speak their minds. The audience can decide if the crucifixion should occur and whether Christ’s rise from the dead is just a fairy-tale.

Parts of the performance text are in English for emphasis, and so that visitors and non-Maltese spectators can follow. Two performances of Poezija Siekta at Spazju Teatrali (close to the Gharghur parish church) will be held on Tuesday 20 and Wednesday 21 at 7.30pm, for those who would want to better savour the production by experiencing it twice.

Entrance is free. On Sunday 25 March, a free park and ride shuttle system will be operating with the collaboration of the Gharghur Local Council, starting from the near the old Trade Fair grounds in Naxxar to Gharghur and back, between 4.30pm and 10.30pm.