Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1190498
CULTURE THEATRE maltatoday | SUNDAY • 8 DECEMBER 2019 8 ONE week away from opening night and Teatru Malta are gearing up for one of their most heart warming per- formances to date; their 2019 pan- tomime Ħax-Xjuħ which will run between 12 and 15 December at the Metanoia theatre in Luqa. The eccentric pantomime has been entrusted to the best theatre veterans around like Josette Ciappara, Paul Abela and Alison White. Tony Cassar Darien who wrote the original script tells MaltaToday more about working on this panto: So how did the idea for Hax-Xjuh come about? Teatru Malta wanted something dif- ferent from the usual fairy tale adap- tation, that would serve as an intro- duction to an older generation which for some reason had missed out on panto. Well, to date, a Western story has never before been enacted on the local boards. While said older gen- eration must have been familiar with 'cowboys and injuns' yarns. This panto also has an original music score written by you, did you write all of this with your current cast in mind? In consultation with Paul Abela, the music director, I wrote new lyrics (in Maltese) to various (twenty-four I believe) popular songs. Of course, the lyrics are intrinsic to the plot and are an extension of all the various col- ours depicted on stage. What was it like working on this project hand in hand with director Josette Ciappara? Of course Josette and I have col- laborated together many times in the past – on stage and radio. She was my deputy at MTADA (Manoel Thea- tre Academy of Dramatic Arts) and when I moved on she succeeded me as Principal. Josette possesses a fine sense of theatre and would instantly sense what works – or doesn't – on stage. I have complete trust in her judgement. What makes Hax Xjuh so special, and something all the family should watch this Christmas? The script has a laugh per minute situations, a couple of characters are unforgettable, great music, some lovely dancing, continuous audience involvement, and a veteran comical cast... While most of the old West- ern movies depict How the West was Won, this Panto shows How the West was FUNNN. The colourful cast also includes Maltese favourites Joe Farrugia id- Dulli the sassy Ħax-Xjuħ dame, wife and fellow actress Veronica Farru- gia, Philip Vella, Ray Calleja, Narcy Calamatta, Theresa Gauci and Gwido Fenech amongst other incredible ac- tors and performers! Ħax-Xjuħ is a pantomime for the whole family, and runs between 12 and 15 December at Teatru Metanoia in Luqa. Euro 5 tickets can be purchased from kultura.mt or or more informa- tion please call 21220255 or visit te- atrumalta.org A pantomime for the whole family