Events
This Picasso-inspired ballet is the ultimate family outing
In Malta at the end of the month? The ‘Parade’ family-friendly ballet is perfect if you’re travelling with young theatre lovers… and even if you’re not!

Jo Caruana

parade

If you’re hoping your visit to Malta will coincide with a helping of contemporary culture and you love dance, then you’re in luck – as the iconic ballet, Parade & The Velvet Gentleman, is set to be staged on 27th July. Tickets are just €5 for those aged eight-to-16 – so there really is no cheaper way to see the national theatre in all its glory.

This dynamic performance, which is a new reworking of the iconic ballet Parade, that featured music by Erik Satie and costume design and scenography by Pablo Picasso, will use contemporary storytelling techniques and technology such as stop motion animation, puppetry and projection dancing to embellish the stunning choreography, under the artistic direction of Ruben Zahra.

It includes the talents of Maltese designer Ritienne Zammit who designed the Picasso-inspired costumes, with stop-motion animation by Christ Scicluna, masks and puppets by Charles Bezzina, projection dance sequences by MAKA Visuals, and a paper cinema by Trevor Zahra.

parade

Taking to the stage are two very well known local dancers and choreographers – Dorian Mallia and Diane Portelli, the brains (and bodies) behind the Moveo Dance Company. Known for their mesmerising style, this duo has certainly turned heads this year – not least when they won the Artist of the Year accolade in the first-ever Malta Arts Awards.

“Parade & The Velvet Gentleman was first performed at the Ziguzajg Children’s Festival last year and is now back by popular demand,” smiles Dorian. “We’re thrilled to be performing it again because it has a very holistic vision, which is exactly what Moveo is all about, so it’s a perfect match. Working with Ruben is also a privilege – he has brought so much to the contemporary Maltese and international music scene, and his input is priceless. Our collaboration has been seamless.”

Produced as part of Ruben’s popular Modern Music Days series, this ballet certainly promises to be a fun night out for all the family. “It’s visually stunning, fun, educational and played to live music, which always gives that extra edge to any production,” Diane says. “Plus, we’re excited to get back on stage at Teatru Manoel – our national theatre, which has also become our second home. It’s been the location for our most successful productions, and it’s always nice to go home, right?”

parade

In fact, both Diane and Dorian highly recommend a visit to the Manoel, whether you make it to Parade or not. “It's definitely the cultural venue to go to on the island – although so many of our churches also deserve to be seen,” Dorian says. “Even if you’re not religious, their treasures are astonishing and there are few churches in the world more beautiful than St John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta. I highly recommend adding it to your itinerary.”

PARADE & The Velvet Gentleman will be presented for one night only at Teatru Manoel on Friday 27th July. Tickets are priced at €10, or €5 for anyone aged 8-16, and are available on www.teatrumanoel.com. It is recommended for children aged eight and over.

21st July 2018


Jo  Caruana
Written by
Jo Caruana
Jo is a magazine editor and actress who is passionate about all things foodie and cultural on her island home. Her favourite pastimes include writing in cafes, performing at the Manoel Theatre, and exploring the countryside with her three beloved dogs.

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