FILM
Cecil Satariano − A Cinematic Retrospective
A three-day event at Spazju Kreattiv is paying tribute to Cecil Satariano (1930–1996), the pioneering Maltese film-maker, critic and author.
Between October 25 and 27, there will be presentations, panel discussions and screenings celebrating Satariano, his films and the restoration of his five award-winning films by The Cecil Satariano Film Restoration Project, led by Veronica Galea.
The event forms part of the programme of the 2025 World Day for Audiovisual Heritage, in cooperation with the Coordinating Council of Audiovisual Archives Associations.
For all the details and tickets, visit spazjukreattiv.org.
THEATRE
Tosca
Puccini’s captivating opera will grace the stage at the Astra Theatre, Victoria, on October 23 and 25, as part of the Opera is Gozo programme. Visitors will be transported to the opulent world of 19th-century Rome where passion, betrayal and the relentless quest for freedom intertwine in a riveting narrative.
Promising a talented cast and visionary designs, this production aims to engage both opera enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
The production will be helmed by Astra’s director Enrico Stinchelli and conducted by Astra’s maestro John Galea.
Tickets from teatruastra.org.mt.
The Full Monty
MADC is presenting The Full Monty, a stage adaptation of the 1990s British comedy about six out-of-work steelworkers with nothing left to lose but their clothes.
Directed by Francesca Briffa, the show features a star-studded cast including Alan Paris, Stephen Oliver, Brendon Thearle, Lewis Preston, Shaun Rizzo, Taha Chaudhry, Keira Galea, Matthew Grech Marguerat, Alan Azzopardi, with special appearances by Pia Zammit, Coryse Borg, Steve Casaletto, Angelica Sant, Richard Godden, Sarah Jane Zrinzo and Antonio Tufigno. Charlie Paris and Simon Tufigno will be sharing the role of Nathan.
The show is certified 16+. Performances run from October 24 to November 2 at 7.30pm. Tickets from teatrumanoel.mt.
Read more about the show here.
The male cast of The Full Monty. Photo: Justin MamoAnd Murder It Is!
Arthaus is staging an original cabaret show at the Salesian Theatre in Sliema on October 24 and 25 at 8pm.
And Murder It Is! is set in the humdrum, dark world of 1950s theatre, where the curtain rises on a highly anticipated show, the act begins and a gut-wrenching scream is suddenly heard. An actress is found dead in her dressing room − with suspicions falling on the tight-knit cast and crew.
As whispers circulate and secrets unravel, the audience must stay sharp, piecing together hidden motives, suspicious alibis and treacherous betrayals. They will have the chance to name the killer before the curtain falls.
Tickets are available here.
Naħliflek
Based on surviving court transcripts, this play by Breach Theatre dramatises the seven-month trial in 1612 of Agostino Tassi, accused of sexually assaulting baroque painter Artemisia Gentileschi − a case that captivated Renaissance Rome and continues to provoke thought and reflection on how much has truly changed in the last four centuries.
This new translation by Kim Dalli brings the story closer to home, with a cast that includes Clare Agius and Sarah-Lee Zammit, with the participation of Analise Mifsud and Claire Tonna, under the direction of Marta Vella and produced by Daniel Azzopardi.
The play, certified 16+, is being staged until October 26 at the Madonna tal-Pilar church in Valletta. English surtitles will be available for today’s performance and that of October 24.
A post-show panel discussion is planned for October 23.
Tickets from showshappening.com.
Read more about the play in this Times2 preview.
The cast of Naħliflek: (from left) Clare Agius, Kim Dalli and Sarah-Lee Zammit. Photo: Lorella CastilloThe Archive
TMYT – Malta’s National Youth Theatre is presenting a bold, ensemble-driven theatre experience devised for teenagers and young adults (aged 13+) at the Manoel’s Studio Theatre on October 25 and 26 at 6pm.
At the centre of the story is Lou – from her first breath to her final moment. Inside her mind lies ‘The Archive’: a living, breathing vault that stores every word spoken, every silence shared and every truth left unsaid.
In this deeply moving and imaginative production, the show’s ensemble becomes The Archivists – shapeshifters who bring to life the voices and figures that shape Lou’s world.
The Archive is a TOI TOI production, directed by Petra Sant. Tickets from teatrumanoel.mt.
Mid-Djarju ta’ Student fi Skola tal-Knisja
The record-breaking show, starring Jamie Cardona, continues its run at Theatre Next Door in Magħtab until October 26.
Cardona plays himself and other characters in this solo play about his time as a teen at a Church school. Through his diary, the audience follows his mischievous journey while he questions the existence of God, what is right or wrong and how to attract girls, among others.
The show, written by Cardona and directed by Vikesh Godhwani, will resume in November.
Tickets from fmt.com.mt/tnd.
Jamie Cardona in Mid-Djarju ta’ Student fi Skola tal-Knisja. Photo: Owen Michael GrechMUSIC
Iljieli fit-Teatru: Chamberfest
Harpist Caroline Calleja and pianist Joanne Camilleri will perform together in the next Chamberfest concert at the Pjazza Teatru Rjal Green Room, Valletta, on October 20, at 7.30pm.
Tickets from ticketline.com.mt.
Biddulph Male Voice Choir in concert
The Biddulph Male Voice Choir, hailed as the ‘West Midlands Male Voice Choir of the Year 2023’ and ‘Best self-funded UK Male Voice Choir 2024’, will be performing at St George’s Basilica in Victoria on October 20 at 7.45pm
and at Munxar parish church on October 22 at 8pm.
Entrance is free.
Jazz Assemblea
The second edition of Jazz Assemblea Festival is on until November 25. Under the artistic direction of Dominic Galea, the festival features over 60 local artists who are participating in discussions, workshops, concerts, visual experiences, an album launch and a jam session.
The festival is a co-production between NAPA − National Agency for Performing Arts and Spazju Kreattiv, and is supported by the Ministry for Culture, Lands and Local Government, Visit Malta and Lito’s Place Recording Studio.
For a full programme of events, visit spazjukreattiv.org.
Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s ‘Eugene Onegin’ in Concert
As part of its ‘Autumn Pushkin Salon’, the Russian Centre for Science and Culture in Malta is presenting Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s ‘Eugene Onegin’ in Concert at the Concert Hall of the Malta Society of Arts, Palazzo de La Salle, Valletta, on October 22 at 7.30pm.
The event will be based on the eponymous work by Alexander Pushkin in a concert version performed by sopranos Andriana Yordanova and Olga Agafonova, baritone Ken Scicluna, bass Deyan Kostadinov and tenor Luke Paul Attard, with Sofia Narmania on the piano.
Doors open at 7pm. For more details, WhatsApp +9999 2130.
Trockne Blumen: Music for Flute
A recital of flute music starring flutist Laura Cioffi, is taking place at the Jesuits’ Church oratories on October 23 at 7.30pm. Cioffi will be accompanied by pianist Maria-Elena Farrugia.
The main item on the programme is Schubert’s Variations on ‘Trockne Blumen’ for Flute & Piano D.802. The concert also includes a rarely heard piece by French composer Mel Bonis, her Sonata for Flute & Piano Op.64 and the premiere of the newly commissioned 12 for flute by Luc Houtkamp.
Entrance is free, but donations are welcome.
Music 4 a Cause
A fundraising concert in aid of the St Jeanne Antide Foundation is being held at the Sr Nemesia Auditorium, Immaculate Conception School, Tarxien, on October 25 at 7.30pm.
Music 4 a Cause will be headlined by the Spiteri Lucas Band with various guests, including Claudia Faniello, Nadine Axisa, Ema, Ishmael Grech and Michaela Galea, among many others.
A free park and ride service will be available next to Tarxien Middle School.
Tickets are available from www.showshappening.com.
Ennio Morricone’s Music Live
The internationally acclaimed all-female orchestra Le Muse, led by conductor and pianist Andrea Albertini, will perform Ennio Morricone’s most iconic scores at the Mediterranean Conference Centre in Valletta on October 26 at 8pm.
Accompanied by stunning visuals and personal stories, and featuring soprano Susanna Rigacci, Morricone’s long-time soloist, this concert brings masterpieces like Once Upon a Time in the West, Gabriel’s Oboe and Cinema Paradiso to life.
The event, organised by AD Events Ltd, also features singer Daniela Placci.
Tickets from showshappening.com.
MISCELLANEOUS
Żejt iż-Żejtun
The Żejtun local council is organisingthe 19th edition of the festival celebrating the olive-picking season and olive pressing for oil.
The festival is also a cultural event, featuring concerts, guided tours, re-enactments and a second-hand book sale.
For all the details, visit the Żejtun local council’s Facebook page.
whatson@timesofmalta.com