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maltatoday | SUNDAY • 18 SEPTEMBER 2022 6 THEATRE George Orwell classic Animal Farm to be staged in dynamic and daring new local adaptation This production by Youth Theatre Masquerade will highlight the continued relevance of this timeless story MASQUERADE Malta is opening its 2022-2023 season at Blue Box with Animal Farm, George Orwell's classic. Re-imagined by Youth The- atre Masquerade and directed by Ian Moore, this brand-new production offers a dynam- ic, daring and contemporary take on this timeless story. It remains faithful to Orwell's original, retaining both its af- fection for the animals and the incisiveness of its message. "The importance of literature such as Animal Farm can nev- er be overstated," says Moore. "Our minimalistic approach has offered this young actors' company the opportunity to explore the craft of character creation. With a shorter nar- rative and bare walls, we strip back the original novella and give the piece a rather anaemic feel, placing the focus cleanly upon the allegorical message." The purpose of Animal Farm – written as a warning in 1944 – is as poignant today as it was when it was first conceived. "That makes this a must-watch for the moment – not just be- cause of the immersive world created by this talented set of young performers, but because we are all due a reminder of its important message," he adds. Animal Farm introduces us to Old Major, the prize boar who calls the animals of Man- or Farm together. She has had a strange dream of a better fu- ture – is it simply a dream or a vision of things to come? Orwell's world-famous fable tells the of the perils of revolu- tion and its aftermath and has given the world the immortal phrase "Some are more equal than others." "Orwell's seminal work, cur- rently on the school curricu- lum, has a voice of its own and remains an evergreen piece of literature," says anthony bezzi- na, Masquerade Malta's Artis- tic Director. "I am pleased that this pro- duction has already generat- ed interest among punters, as well as a very good response from schools. We are excited to be launching our 2022-2023 season at Blue Box at M Space with this show and look for- ward to seeing you there!" Animal Farm is suitable for audiences aged 11+. Perfor- mances will take place on Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 Oc- tober at Blue Box, M Space, in Msida. To book tickets and for further information visit www. masquerademalta.com. There will also be morning shows specially performed for schools on Thursday 6 and Fri- day 7 October. For full details, please email info@masquer- ademalta.com. This project is supported by Arts Council Malta.