One May day on the eve of an English summer way back in 1593, the Elizabethan playwright and actor Christopher Marlowe was stabbed to death in a pub brawl. He was only 29, but had already wowed audiences with his tales of intrigue, murder and politics. And he – insightfully, perhaps – based one right here on this very island - The Jew of Malta, an MADC and Teatru Manoel production, which comes to the stage at Teatru Manoel on 5, 6, 7 and 12, 13, 14 October.

“The Jew of Malta is built around the world of politics, religion, money and corruption. It is a world inhabited by individuals who will stop at nothing to reach their goals,” director Christopher Gatt says. The play tells the story of Barabas, the jew of Malta himself, played by Mikhail Basmadjian, who seeks revenge for lost funds in a Malta which never was but could have been: one in which the Great Siege never happened, and Knights of St John pay the Turks to avoid war. His actions push him down a path lined with dirty-dealings and death. “If this sounds familiar, then perhaps it is because it has always been thus,” Mr Gatt continues. “But Marlowe presents this world with an eye for detail and for the tragifarce that is life.”

The play is a dazzling ride, fast-witted and heady. “Marlowe is a playwright who knows how to entertain his audiences. The Jew of Malta is a real thrill-ride. Events piled up on incidents which are revealed in dizzying effect. Filled with larger than life characters facing life and death decisions, this is a play which entertains even as it shocks. The Jew reveals a master craftsman who knows how to tell a story. No wonder it was so popular in its time!” the director explains.

This is a rare opportunity to experience the piece on the island, for the Jew of Malta has only been performed here once before. “It is surprising that a play which is one of the few set in Malta has only been performed once before on the island. This version brings things right up to date reflecting on its timeless qualities by giving it a contemporary setting. That, and a brilliant cast, should provide a two-hour thought-provoking evening of entertainment,” Mr Gatt says. 

The Jew of Malta will be performed at Teatru Manoel on 5, 6, 7 and 12, 13, 14 October 2018. Performances start at 8pm. The performance on Saturday 6 October will commence at 6pm, earlier than other performance nights, to enable attendees to enjoy the Notte Bianca events and atmosphere, or lounge at a variety of bars, restaurants and other entertainment establishments around Valletta. Tickets at €25, €20 and €10; discounted tickets are available for students and senior citizens. Bookings on 2124 6389 or here. Classification 14+. This project is supported by the Project Support Grant, Malta Arts Fund – Arts Council Malta.