Adrian Buckle, a veteran of the local theatre scene, is bringing Frank Wedekind’s ‘Spring Awakening’ to Valletta’s Spazju Kreattiv Theatre this November.

Though originally set in 19th century rural Germany, this version of ‘Spring Awakening’ will be adapted to reflect Malta in 2022 by British playwright Brad Birch.

The story follows a group of youths as they come of age, discover sex, battle with their studies, and put their friendships to the test.

Award winning UK director James Grieve is set to direct.

Grieve previously served as the artistic director of UK maverick Theatre Company Paines Plough. He has also directed a number of musicals, including Les Misérables and Cabaret, across Europe.

“Although our version of the story takes place over 100 years after Wedekind’s original, its central themes are timeless, as a group of young people grapple with numerous challenges, compounded by an unwanted pregnancy. It is undoubtedly an emotional story – yet, despite the seriousness of the central topic, the play is light in nature, with many comic moments,” the play’s producer, Adrian Buckle expressed.

“Spring Awakening promises to be a powerful and thought-provoking piece of theatre, not least due to its Malta setting, which will I hope – as ever – generate much discussion,” he added.

‘Spring Awakening’ will star Jamie Busuttil Griffin, Alex Weenink, Gianluca Mifsud, Richard Siauciulis, Greta Holland, Ann-Marie Buckle, Sophie Staples, Julia Camilleri and Hannah Gatt as the youths, with Pia Zammit and Paul Portelli taking on the adult roles.

The play is only suitable for audiences aged 16+ with performances taking place on 4th, 5th, 6th, 11th, 12th and 13th November 2022 at Spazju Kreattiv, Valletta.

Are you planning on watching it?