Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1539741
8 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 24 SEPTEMBER 2025 CULTURE DESTAGED Dance is proud to present PLIGHT, a com- pelling triple bill of contem- porary dance that promises an immersive and intimate experience. This unique production weaves togeth- er three distinct works, each exploring challenging and difficult situations, all while offering a deeply personal insight into the artist's own journey. The three works are: Ara Naqra – A captivating danced installation, which explores a common social practice. The dancers are confined to their space, while the audience sur- rounds them and even share some of this space. The Mother in Me - A poignant contemporary dance interpretation of Ma- leficent's story, inspired by Serena Valentino's ""Mis- tress of Evil."" This work delves into the complexities of Maleficent's past and how this led to the destructive relationship she had with her own daughter, Aurora and ultimately her own de- mise. The Day you were not – A deeply moving danced jour- ney through the stages of grief, offering a powerful and emotional experience. The title, PLIGHT, serves as a thematic anchor, subtly connecting these three works. Each piece, in its own unique way, delves into challenging and difficult situations. What makes PLIGHT truly unique is its profound personal con- nection to the artist. These three works were created over a ten-year period, repre- senting a significant progres- sion and growth through the artist's own life. Audiences will witness a journey of emo- tional maturity and artistic evolution unfold on stage. Through these thought-pro- voking performances, De- staged Dance aims to create a closer bond between the au- dience and the dancers, fos- tering a richer appreciation for the art form. PLIGHT contributes to Malta's cul- tural landscape by offering an engaging and accessible con- temporary dance experience, inviting audiences to reflect on the complexities of the human condition through a deeply personal lens. This project also fosters dynamic collaborations be- tween local and foreign art- ists, creating a vibrant bridge between local and interna- tional talent. This interna- tional exchange not only en- riches the performances but also provides unique learning opportunities for everyone involved. PLIGHT will open its doors on 24th October at the New Sir Arturo Mericieca Primary School Hall in Victoria Gozo, with a repeat performance on 25th October. Tickets are FREE but book- ing on destageddance@gmail. com is necessary. This performance is spon- sored by The Cultural Herit- age Directorate within The Ministry for Gozo and Plan- ning, and supported by The Gozo Collage and Teatru tal-Opera Aurora. PLIGHT by Destaged Dance in Gozo Soprano Christine Dalli brings Maltese artistry to Brusk MALTESE performer Christine Dalli has just completed a series of 14 performances as part of the opening festivities at Brusk in Bru- ges, Belgium, during the weekend, reaching an estimated audience of over 20,000 people. She per- formed together with the string Orchestra, Sonare Collective and Composer Patrick Hamilton. The new concerto called 'Brusk, Forms in Motion' was composed by Patrick Hamilton himself and written for this special event. The performers/ musicians were part of the Numen art installation it- self, transforming the space into a multisensory experience. Highlights & Context 'WELKOM BRUSK' city fes- tival: festive introduction to the building - Brusk, Bruges' bold new art gallery, opened with a spectacular weekend of visual art, music, and performance. The celebrations featured La Grande Araignée, a giant spider by Com- pagnie La Machine on the Belfry tower and around the City, as well as highline acts (A rope almost 400m long stretched at a height of 70m between the Belfry and the Church of Our Lady) and aerial acrobatics and Numen/ For Use art installation (in Brusk). Brusk will officially open to the public on 8th May 2026. Brusk's opening is being seen across Belgium — and beyond — as a bold act of cultur- al investment. It is an impressive museum master plan in the his- toric centre of UNESCO World Heritage City Bruges. Artist statement "Performing at Brusk was such a special experience for me. In Brusk, we witnessed how art and music can come together to in- spire, connect, and uplift a com- munity. Connecting with so many people has been humbling and inspiring. I was also very over- whelmed with the heartfelt feed- back from members of the pub- lic," Christine Dalli said. Soprano Christine remains com- mitted to her artistic journey, steadily making a name for her- self abroad and representing her country on prestigious stages. Top: Maltese performer Christine Dalli. Right: The opening festivities at Brusk in Bruges, Belgium, during the weekend, reaching an estimated audience of over 20,000 people.