ŻfinMalta to present its first co-production this month
Paolo Magniola joins forces with Ballet d’Jèrri’s inaugural artistic director Carolyn Rose Ramsey for his choreography
ŻfinMalta joins forces with Ballet d’Jèrri, the national dance company of Jersey island, in a new work by ŻfinMalta artistic director Paolo Mangiola. Twenty dancers come together to explore what unites the two islands through distinctive geographical and cultural landscapes.
Taking inspiration from the Arctic Tern, a bird known for having the longest migratory patterns on the planet, Geographers of Solitude is a conversation on diversity, the fragility of different voices, and fostering collective harmony.
Just as these birds take shelter on both islands during their long journey, the dancers on stage explore both itinerant and protracted island life and the dynamic interplay between solitude and communal, on our individual and collective narratives.
This collaboration took flight with Ballet d’Jèrri’s inaugural artistic director Carolyn Rose Ramsey inviting Mangiola to create a work for the new national dance company of Jersey.
The conversation led to the idea of a co-production bringing both companies on stage in a new full-length work to be premiered first in Malta in May of this year, followed by Jersey in June.
“The dancers and team at Ballet d’Jèrri are so honoured and grateful to have the chance to collaborate with ŻfinMalta and Paolo Mangiola on his fantastic concept in Geographers of Solitude’,” says Ramsey.
“The opportunity to have this kind of in-depth artistic exchange with another group of dancers is rare and exhilarating. This piece, and the collaboration itself, is a testament to the power of art to bridge landscapes, cultures, and stories. I believe we have the chance to offer a mirror to the world.
“As small islands we are not just geographical entities, but vibrant, living microcosms that represent and resonate with the broader experiences of isolation, community, and the incessant quest for connection. It becomes a beautiful testament to the fact that every individual and every group has a unique journey, a unique story to tell. This is a dialogue between two islands, two countries, and two cultures, on what sets us apart, and what ties us together.” For ŻfinMalta audiences who have followed Mangiola’s masterful transformation of the company over the past seven years, this is the last chance to see his choreography in a new full-length work on the Manoel Theatre stage before he completes his final season as artistic director.
Mangiola reflects: “It has been an incredible journey, and I am immensely proud of the accomplishments we’ve achieved together. My heartfelt thanks go to all the choreographers, artists, and variety of experts who have contributed immensely to the growth of the company, making ŻfinMalta a hub where we cherish, protect, and push our art form.
“I’m forever grateful to all the dancers who have worked with me, sharing their knowledge, and contributing to the development of our company.”
Geographers of solitude will take place at the Manoel Theatre on May 26 from 7.30 to 8.30pm. For details, visit zfinmalta.org/ event/geographers-of-solitudemay-26-24/
is presenting a number of opportunities to all those who wish to join theatre in one way or another, whether one is experienced, inexperienced, elderly, children or young actor/actress.
Artistic director Sean Buhagiar describes this spring/summer launch: “In a thriving industry with small- and medium-sized representations without spaces and audiences, we have chosen to do our utmost to draw attention to similar representations while using our resources to bring about a lasting change.”
For the first time in Malta, actors will have the opportunity to join the theatre as employees for 40 hours a week. This will be Teatru Malta’s hybrid group.
Buhagiar explains that this hybrid model is a sustainable model for local artists involved in the national theatre company, while fostering Teatru Malta’s growth as a creative ecosystem that leaves no one behind. Applications close on June 17 and more information can be gathered on the Teatru Malta website.
XENI, a workshop on costume design with costume designer Joan O’Cleary, has also been launched. She does costumes for both stage and screen. One can apply to participate by sending an e-mail to xeniworkshop@gmail.com. Applications close on May 24.
Those working in the performing arts sector and who are interested in another edition of Klassi tas-Surmast: The Suzuki method with Mattia Sebastian Giorgetti, are invited to join the masterclass that will be taking place at Theatre Next Door from July 15 to 19. Giorgetti is a director and actor, in partnership with SCOT (Suzuki company of Toga), and an educational director of Centro Teatro ATTIVO in Milan.
Scriptwriters are invited to submit their radio and theatre plays via e-mail at studiofrancisebejer@gmail.com. For this edition, there will be a collaboration with Spazju Kreattiv and Manoel Theatre. A professional panel of experts will select three theatre plays and one radio play that will be produced in 2025 and 2026.
Applications for Trikki Trakki, the successful youth theatre festival produced by Teatru Malta, are open, and interested schools are encouraged to apply by sending an e-mail to trikkitrakki@teatrumalta.org.mt.
“This is a dialogue between two islands