Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1530881
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 22 DECEMBER 2024 3 THEATRE New Maltese play to shed new light on Bible's David and Jonathan Written by Adrian Buckle and Trevor Zahra and directed by Tyrone Grima, Id-Dnub tal- Magħżulin reimagines one of the Bible's most compelling narratives A new Maltese-language play written by Adrian Buckle and Trevor Zahra will kick-start the 2025 theatre season with a bold reimagining of a famed biblical narrative. Running for two weekends at Valletta Campus Theatre (VCT) from 31 January, Id- Dnub tal-Magħżulin delves into the story of David and Ġonatan (Jonathan), and their complex and captivating relationship set against the shadow of growing tyranny, fear and paranoia of Sawlu (King Saul). Id-Dnub tal-Magħżulin prom- ises to be an immersive and thought-provoking experience, exploring themes of love under oppression, identity and the human desire for connection, says the play's director, Tyrone Grima. "The story of David and Jonathan in the Bible has fas- cinated scholars over the cen- turies. This tale of 'Romeo and Romeo' is as old as time but is as relevant as ever, about the power of love to transcend fear and hatred – and the beauty of human connection, even in the harshest of circumstances." A must-see for theatre enthu- siasts and anyone drawn to sto- ries of courage and defiance in the face of persecution, Id-Dnub tal-Magħżulin also features a stellar cast including Peter Galea as Sawlu, Miguel Formosa as Ġonatan and Benjamin Abela as David, alongside Sean Borg, Mandy Muscat, Stefan Farrugia, Josue Formosa, Bernard Zam- mit and Matthias Zarb. The production also includes original music composed by Alex Vella Gregory, comple- menting Romualdo Moret- ti's evocative set design, Dali Aguerbi's lighting design and Michela Manduca's costumes. Simone Ellul also joins the dy- namic creative team as Intimacy Director. In addition to the performanc- es, audiences attending either Friday evening performance on 31 January and 7 February will have the unique opportunity to join Rev Prof Josef Mario Briffa SJ for a post-show lecture and Q&A session. A biblical scholar and archaeologist, Rev Prof Brif- fa will explore the historical and cultural context of the David and Jonathan narrative within the ancient Near East, adding depth to the play's themes. Id-Dnub tal-Magħżulin per- forms at Valletta Campus The- atre (VCT), Valletta, on 31 Jan- uary and 1, 2, 7, 8, 9 February 2025, with performances start- ing at 7.30pm. This production is suitable for audiences aged 16 and above, due to mature themes. Id-Dnub tal-Magħżu- lin is supported by Arts Coun- cil Malta. Tickets are available at www.adrianbuckle.com. Left to right: Peter Galea and Mandy Muscat, Sean Borg and Benjamin Abela. Below: Miguel Formosa and Benjamin (All photos by Jacob Sammut)