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maltatoday | SUNDAY • 23 MARCH 2025 2 CULTURE SAINT Joseph is a popular saint, cherished in many hearts. This cultural and spiritual proximity to the saint once again prompted the established writer Joe Camilleri to give us another collection of short sto- ries that in some way or other have a connection with St Jo- seph. Ir-Raġel ta' Wara l-Kwinti is another prestigious literary book from the well-known pub- lishing house HORIZONS. This anthology is an extension of Ir-Ragel tas-Skiet, by the same author, that HORIZONS had successfully published in two editions in 2021. With his lively and distinc- tive style, Joe Camilleri takes us again on a fictitious journey with people who go through different experiences. Among others, relationship conflicts that imprint a sense of failure and unleash extreme reactions. Marital problems, including do- mestic violence, mirror many current situations. We follow cases of health issues where the characters feel totally lost. At times engulfed in anger. Or torn with inner conflicts of despair. Especially in cases where one finds oneself in troubled waters due to meddling in illegal drug business. Or else at one's wits' end as one falls victim to black- mail because of addiction. But hope soars in some broken hearts because in the drama of life we are not stranded alone. Many characters in the narra- tives who grew up in a culture of trust sense the presence of Saint Joseph in the stage wings of their lives. So, in the dark and dire hour of need they lift up their thoughts and hearts to him. As other characters also do during their satisfactory moments of unity and love, of gratitude, un- derstanding, solidarity, altruism, generosity. The stage of life where we play a role has its colourful spotlights. And many of these short stories are inspired by positive values and attitudes. Including stable, loving relationships, the recog- nition and beauty of gratitude, the nobility of adopting aban- doned children, and the healthy energy generated through the generous donations of human organs. Throughout pages of absorb- ing reading, these twenty short stories lead us into the realities of the world of our times. With the intrigues, problems, sor- rows, fears, heartaches, disap- pointments, disillusions, and in- ternal conflicts. But we also get an effective taste of the realms of fantasy. Some of the stories have the simplicity of fairy tales and the mysterious aura of legends. They also provide us with mo- ments of appreciation and per- haps, an approving smile, as well as an opportunity for reflection, for comment, and for raising discussion. Ir-Ragel ta' Wara l-Kwinti provides ample curiosities that ought to appeal to a wide spec- trum of readers. An interesting collection of narratives that presents an array of themes, in- cidents, characters, behavioral situations, and attitudes that we can identify with. Hopeful- ly, Ir-Raġel ta' Wara l-Kwinti raises awareness of that "silent and righteous man" behind the scenes who follows the text of the dramatic representation of our lives. Perhaps without our ever realizing it, he supplies a cue at the right time to help us continue with a regular rhythm. Other collections of short sto- ries by the same author: Ir-Ragel ta' Wara l-Kwinti is the seventh anthology of short stories by Joe Camilleri that was launched by HORIZONS after they had al- ready successfully published Możajċi tat-Tafal (finalist for the National Book Award), Ir-Raġel tas-Skiet (two editions), Dwal mill-Kantini, L-Eku tal Ħabbata (finalist for the National Book Award), Faċċati, and Reffiegħa tad-Dellijiet. By the same author are the collections Solitudni fil-Folla, Fir-Rokna tas-Silenzju, and Żwiemel tar-Riħ. Ir-Raġel ta' Wara l-Kwinti: More stories related to Saint Joseph Book review GOZO'S Teatru tal-Opra Au- rora has just announced the opening of the online seat sale of Giuseppe Verdi's La Forza del Destino, set to return to Gozo on 11th October 2025. The last Forza the island has seen, was also hosted at the Aurora, in 2007. Staple as ever, Colin At- tard takes the platform in the pit, conducting the Malta Phil- harmonic Orchestra and the Aurora Opera Chorus together with an international cast that will be announced in due course. Local opera lovers had their love for this Verdian master- piece reignited when it was pre- sented at Milan's La Scala thea- tre last winter, and broadcast all over the world as arguably the poshiest opera nights around the world – the night of St Ambro- se, 7th December when Milan's famed theatre opens its opera season. The in/famous title, associ- ated with all sorts of lucks and charms, so much so it earned the nickname of l'innomina- bile – the one who shall not be named – is set to return in a highly anticipated production, designed by stage director Ric- cardo Buscarini. He returns to the Aurora with La Forza for a third consecutive time, follow- ing Madama Butterfly (2023) and Il Trittico (2024). He is set to build on these previous suc- cessful stagings, this time with a new creative team comprising Giammaria Farina (set design), Mara Pieri (costume design) and Moritz Zavan Stoeckle (lighting design). La Forza del Destino runs for just one night, on 11th October 2025, a very anticipated event that opens the opera-is-Gozo season. With the first spell of tickets usually running fast, the Thea- tre has now launched the online sales. They go for €90, €75 or €55 with Premium Boxes for 4 persons for €500.00 inclusive of champagne and butler service. Tickets may be purchased via the ticket helpline +35679045779, by email on teatruaurora@leone. org.mt or via the official website www.teatruaurora.com/box-of- fice. La Forza del Destino at the Teatru tal-Opra Aurora is sup- ported by the Investment in Cul- tural Organisations – Gozo pro- gramme by Arts Council Malta in collaboration with the Minis- try for Gozo. Tickets now on sale for Giuseppe Verdi's La Forza del Destino at Gozo's Teatru tal-Opra Aurora