Among the heat, frizzy hair and fact my much-loved hourly mug of tea becomes undesirable, there is another key reason why I am not a summer person: the lack of theatre. Yes, Malta is home to a number of wonderful cultural festivals in the hotter months but, for the most part, the major companies and venues take a much-needed break. The good news? That all ends in September.

Yup, this is the month when the theatre schedule fires up again and thespians take to the stage on a mission to attract your attention. And for good reason – there really is a melee of board treading to enjoy this month. These are my suggestions.

Stitching

Teatru Manoel Studio Theatre – 14, 15, 16, 19, 21 and 23 September

This one has been a long time coming – literally. The local production of Stitching was banned in 2008 by Malta’s then-censorship board, and producer Adrian Buckle has been fighting tooth and nail to get it lifted ever since. This year, his wish came true and the European Court of Human Rights overturned the decision – and the show will go on. Once again it will star top local actors Pia Zammit and Mikhail Basmadjian, and will be directed by Chris Gatt. This controversial English-language play follows a couple who pick apart their relationship, stitch by stitch, when they discover they are expecting a child. Whilst their journey is brutal, dark and savage, the play’s intimacy and tenderness has maintained its popularity for audiences worldwide. 18+

AIDA

Pjazza Teatru Rjal – 13 and 15 September

Fresh from its highly-acclaimed run in the Netherlands, Dutch company Opera Spanga brings Guiseppi Verdi’s much-loved opera AIDA to the stage in Malta, for an open-air extravaganza of music and drama. The piece is about war, hate, love and forgiveness, and was written as an obvious appeal for peace – thus making it as relevant today as when it was written. It will star a fabulous cast of international singers, including Maltese soprano Francesca Aquilina, and will be directed by Corina van Eijk with music performed by the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra. It forms part of the Valletta 2018 programme.

Corto Maltese: The Ballad of the Salty Sea

Teatru Manoel – 20 and 22 September

Another opera on this month is this one by Monique Krüs, with a libretto by Corina van Eijk (of Aida fame) and an original script by Tama Matheson. Performed by the Teatru Manoel Youth Opera, this original production is based on the graphic novel Una Ballata Del Mare Salato (A Ballad of the Salty Sea) by Hugo Pratt. This is a good one for families travelling to Malta as it is suitable for theatre-goers over 12 (although there is some reference to alcohol and a murder that may prove a little upsetting, so parents and guardians should be aware). It is also a brilliant opportunity to see Valletta’s historic national theatre, the Teatru Manoel, in all its glory.

Modern Music Days

Valletta Campus Theatre – 15 September

Finally for this month, I highly recommend this concert at the Valletta Campus Theatre (which was previously called MITP). Produced and directed by Ruben Zahra (who is renowned for the quality and innovation of his productions), the programme will present a vibrant selection by percussionists Daniel Cauchi, Luke Baldacchino and Michael Camilleri, and compositions for solo piano and video featuring pianist Tricia Dawn Williams. The grand finale will take the form of the successful ballet ‘PARADE’, portraying the music of Erik Satie with costumes and scenery by Pablo Picasso. It will be a good-fun night of music and dance – guaranteed.

System

Spazju Kreattiv Theatre – 21, 22, 23 September

As one of the leaders in the creation for young people’s theatre in Malta, Studio 18 has teamed up with popular singer sister duo The New Victorians to create System. Performed in English, it explores what it means to be a young Maltese person, constantly navigating society’s expectations of you and your own expectations of yourself. This music theatre song-cycle is a reflection of society in the 21st Century, which asks the question: 'are we constantly in a state of becoming, and never in a state of being?' Directed by Jean-Marc Cafa, the performance comprises of cutting-edge original electro-acoustic music written by The New Victorians with and for the company – featuring Rachel Fabri in the cast.

Got more suggestions for theatre to see this month? Let us know in the comments section below!