Artists You Knighted is coming to your laptop screens for some much-needed COVID-19 relief
The event is being organised by The Comedy Knights, one of Malta's favourite Christmas-time acts.
Theatres have been closed for what seems like ages, and while there seems to be no indication yet as to when we may expect them to reopen, fans are in for a delightful treat thanks to a collaborative effort between a number of local performers.
Artists You Knighted, the brainchild of local comedy group Comedy Knights, is a live steamed marathon featuring local performers in support of other performers. The creative industry has been one of the hardest-hit factions of the economy due to COVID-19, but local artists who have found themselves out of work are finding new ways to generate an income: "Instead of waiting around for government handouts, Maltese creative entrepreneurs are stepping forward and exploring ways of evolving our local arts scene," says Comedy Knights producer Wesley Ellul.
“These are difficult times for everyone, but it increasingly seems like the performing arts industry will be among the hardest hit, taking the longest to return to its pre-COVID days,” he continues, adding that some experts are pointing to a 2021 reopening for theatres.
The performance is nothing like Malta has experienced before; with the public being given the opportunity to interact with the performers. Furthermore, there is no official ticketing system, with the public encouraged to donate money instead. Half of the proceeds will go to the performers directly while the remaining half will go towards the setting up of an NGO whose aim is to safeguard and support the interest of Malta's creatives: “Let’s make sure that we are not the generation that allowed Maltese creativity to fall to the virus. Performers for performers, as artists united,” Wesley says.
Confirmed performers include Tony Award Nominated & American Idol Finalist Constantine Maroulis, the Comedy Knights, Danusan, Min Imissu, Moveo Dance Company, Studio 18, Gaia Cauchi, Kevin Paul Calleja, Warren Bonello, West End Performer Colin Zammit Lupi, Joe Rosco, Peter Borg from Red Electrick, Contact-Dance, Undine La Verve, Cikku l-Poplu, Nico Darmanin and Maltese Motion, among many others.
Artists You Knighted will be coming to your laptop and phone screens Friday 6th June at 7pm for a three-hour fun-filled run and will be streamed live on YouTube as well as on the Comedy Knights' Facebook page.