Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1515545
CULTURE 14 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 7 FEBRUARY 2024 WRITTEN by Abi Morgan, with translation and direc- tion by Simone Spiteri, the play 'Lovesong: L-Għanja tan-Namra' is set to premiere at Theatre Next Door. Produced by FM Theatre Productions and per- formed in Maltese, 'Lovesong: L-Għanja tan-Namra' follows the intimate journey of Billy and Maggie, now in the mature stages of their relationship. Though many years have passed, their past still lin- gers on in the present. As the story of the couple un- folds, the play flashes back to the seminal moments experienced early on in their relationship. Young love is the foundation of any long-term kinship but the challenges faced can chip away at a bond as much as they can strengthen. Veteran actors of stage and screen Josette Ciappara, Marceline Galea, Mark Mifsud and Lino Mintoff will be playing the roles of Billy and Maggie, the same cou- ple, but in different stages of the relationship. More- over, this production is a special one as it marks the return of Mintoff to the world of theatre after an 18 year hiatus from the stage. Peppered with original music by Chris Galea, past and present are interwoven throughout the piece with poignant movement by choreographer Moritz Zavan Stoeckle. Lovesong: L-Għanja tan-Namra will be staged at Theatre Next Door from 16th to 25th of February with surtitles in English on the 18th and 27th. For tickets and more information visit www.tnd.com.mt This project is supported by Arts Council Malta. Lovesong by Frantic Assembly set to be staged in Maltese under direction of Simone Spiteri DEMONSTRATING an excep- tional commitment to corpo- rate social responsibility, HSBC Malta Foundation celebrates the involvement of over 400 employ- ees who, in 2023, dedicated their voluntary leave day to support a variety of charitable causes across Malta. This initiative allowed em- ployees to engage directly with local communities, exemplifying HSBC's ethos of connecting with and contributing to the society in which they operate. Throughout the past year, these commendable efforts were part of a larger tapestry of support that extended to 156 entities, including 92 NGOs, 8 Local Councils and 56 schools and centres. Among the notable collabora- tions, HSBC employees contrib- uted to the development oppor- tunities for youth with JCI Malta, supported individuals facing dif- ficulties through the Malta Com- munity Chest Fund Foundation, and fostered leadership skills amongst others with the JA Malta Foundation. Educational support was also a significant focus, with initiatives at various colleges and schools form- ing part of the Prince's Trust In- ternational Achieve Programme. Furthermore, the foundation's engagement with local councils has led to enhanced community projects benefiting residents and local infrastructure. The collaboration with these organisations has spanned a wide range of projects, from educa- tional programs to environmental conservation, enriching the fabric of Maltese society. Amongst others, these includ- ed a number of students from the Prince's Trust International Achieve programme visiting the Soup Kitchen in Valletta to help prepare lunch for the day and take-away snacks. They helped in the kitchen and cleared the tables. Thanks to these activities students realised how many people are in need of a warm meal and how many lack even the bare essen- tials. It was surely a remarkable experience, instilling teamwork, empathy and respect towards oth- ers. Students from St. Thomas More College Primarja A in Żejtun, who despite their young age, were amongst many schools and indi- viduals who supported the HSBC Malta Foundation/MOVE initia- tive contribute to the planting of 80 trees worth 4,000kms of walk- ing/ running as part of the #move- fortrees initiative coordinated by MOVE. On the occasion of International Women's Day, ten local schools came together to support nine NGOs working with vulnerable women across Malta and Gozo. The initiative was coordinated by the HSBC Malta Foundation. As 2024 unfolds, the HSBC Mal- ta Foundation aims to not only continue its legacy of community engagement but also commemo- rates a significant milestone — its 25th anniversary of operations in Malta. Reflecting on a quar- ter-century of community sup- port, the foundation renews its dedication to the Maltese com- munity, reaffirming its role as a stalwart of societal development and corporate citizenship. HSBC Malta Foundation to continue championing community causes in 2024