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maltatoday | SUNDAY • 3 MARCH 2024 6 THEATRE The Shrinking Violets to present Ghostly Children's Show in Maltese The theatre collective is producing its f irst ever show in Maltese, adapted from acclaimed children's book Il-Fatat Kaħlani, at the Railway Station Garden in Birkirkara GET ready to hop aboard an exhilarating adventure with The Shrinking Violets as they gear up for their latest show - this time for families and young children. After their sellout performance of Miscast last November, this dynamic theatre collective is back with their upcoming production set to hit the stage in March – Il-Fatat Kaħlani. Led by five powerhouse female theatre practitioners – Chiara Hyzler, Denise Mulholland, Maria Buckle, Jo Caruana, and Cathy Lawlor – The Shrinking Violets are renowned for their captivating performances, in- cluding Jamboy, presented at the 2019 ŻiguŻajg Children's Festival. Il-Fatat Kaħlani, a vibrant adaptation of Clare Azzopardi and Leanne Ellul's beloved chil- dren's book of the same name, promises colourful characters and musical merriment as au- diences embark on a whimsi- cal journey set in the heart of the Railway Station Garden in Birkirkara. Meet Mundu, a funny and friendly railway con- ductor whose stories will de- light young and old. He knows all there is to know about the ghosts that inhabit the station – ghosts full of fun, each with a story to tell. Some have been around for a long time and some are new arrivals, includ- ing Kaħlani, an opera-singing ghost who is also an expert in causing chaos! Under the creative direc- tion of Bettina Paris and the book's adaptation by Maria Buckle, Il-Fatat Kaħlani fea- tures a stellar cast, including Sean Borg, Michela Farrugia, and Jeremy Grech. Adding to the enchantment are delightful puppets crafted by the talented Matthew Pandolfino and mu- sic composed by Luke Saydon, contributing his unique spin on classical music. All this and more, set against the histor- ic backdrop of the Birkirkara Railway Station — complete with the last surviving carriage of the Malta Railway. "We are absolutely thrilled to present our very first Maltese production, especially one de- signed for the little ones!" say The Shrinking Violets. "With our incredible cast and dedi- cated team, we're brewing up an unforgettable experience. So, gather round, kids of all ages, and join us at the Rail- way Station Garden for a jour- ney brimming with wonder and mischief, courtesy of our playful and cheeky spectral friends!" The Shrinking Violets' pro- duction of Il-Fatat Kaħlani is supported by Arts Council Malta. Performances will take place at the Railway Station Garden (Ġnien l-Istazzjon), Birkirkara, on Saturday 23 March at 3pm and Sunday 24 March at 10.30am and 12pm. Booking is now open at https://tnd.com.mt/. More information about The Shrinking Violets is available at www.facebook.com/shrink- ingvioletsmalta. Above: Sean Borg, Jeremy Grech & Michela Farrugia (photo by Emma Micallef), left: Michela Farrugia, Jeremy Grech, Sean Borg & Bettina Paris (photo by Emma Micallef)