Fort St Elmo transforms for Ġaħan’s long-awaited revival.
Ever heard the story of Ġaħan, the simpleton who, when told to ‘pull the door behind him’, literally ripped the door off its hinges? This well-loved Maltese folk character is so deeply embedded in our culture that the word ‘Ġaħan’ is still used in common local parlance to describe a fool.
Now, after nearly four decades, Teatru Malta is bringing Francis Ebejer’s Ġaħan back to the stage in a revival of the legendary playwright’s final work, ‘Il-Ġaħan ta’ Binġemma’.
The production premieres at Fort St Elmo on Thursday 28th August, a date chosen with special significance, as it marks what would have been Francis Ebejer’s 99th birthday.
First staged in 1986 and never performed since, this new adaptation promises to marry spectacle with Maltese literature, offering audiences a good dose of nostalgia while bringing a fresh of the beloved character. As Teatru Malta puts it, the play will show Ġaħan as more than a simple fool – he is a mirror reflecting Malta’s politics, contradictions, and humanity, all delivered with characteristic sharp wit and biting honesty.
The star-studded cast includes Paul Portelli as Ġaħan, Jacob Piccinino as Richard, and Michela Farrugia as Selima, alongside Rebecca Camilleri, Philip Leone-Ganado, Sandie von Brockdorff, Christian Scicluna, Charlotte Grech, Mario Micallef, Lee-N Abela, and Steve Hili.
The play is directed and adapted by Sean Buhagiar, with original music by Noah Fabri, set design by Romualdo Moreti, choreography by Rebecca Camilleri, costumes and make-up by Klonn and is-Sinjurina, and lighting design by Chris Gatt.
For tickets and more info, visit Teatru Malta.
Ready to rethink the age-old fool?