The cat’s out of the bag

Teatru Malta are ecstatic to be opening their 2019 programme with the highly anticipated children’s opera Il-Qtates ta’ max-Xatt on 23 and 24 February in partnership with Festivals Malta. The Malta Independent on Sunday, sits down with director to get the

constructed’ cat, so we knew we wanted heads and tails. We knew we didn’t want paws, so the faces had to be very expressive. How he has managed to make these inanimate creatures so expressive is beyond me. As I say, he is a genius. The puppets have so much character- each one has their own personality.

Tell us about these cats...

Kannell is the matriarch of the group, the old lady she keeps everyone in check and has known Nannu and Nanna for many years; Pinzell is her great-greatgreat-great grandchild. The kitten of the group, full of fun and mischief, but slightly in awe of the other naughty cats. Pippistrelle is our extravagant, attentionseeking cat. Sleek and black and always eager to be in the centre of things. And finally Pilatu and Cippitatu. The two naughty boys, best of friends and enemies. Cip thinks mostly of his tummy and is always on the hunt for food. Pilatu is the kindest soul, gullible and easily led. When he isn’t fighting with Cip, he is being fooled by him, playing with him or just cuddled up next to him dreaming of snacks.

It’s curtain up on school shows and public shows in a little under two weeks. Why should everyone be circling their calendars to come watch this show?

Children’s operas are few and far between. Children’s operas with cats as the main players are even fewer and further between. The piece is fun and moving and happy and sad in equal measure. The cast and the cats are outstanding and we will be performing in the beautiful maritime museum in Birgu. Bring your children along and introduce them to this amazing artform. If you don’t have children, come along yourself- I believe this piece speaks to all ages.

Il-Qtates ta’ max-Xatt is a collaborative work in partnership with Arts Council Malta, Festivals Malta, the Three Palaces Festival, Culture Pass Malta, The Ministry for Education and Employment, LESA and Heritage Malta. To book your tickets or for more information on this playful piece visit teatrumalta.org.mt or call 21220255 for more information!