Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1540561
9 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 22 OCTOBER 2025 CULTURE Teatru Manoel to present Studio Francis Ebejer winning comedy SOFIE THIS November, Teatru Ma- noel will present the Studio Francis Ebejer winning play 'SOFIE' by Anthony Portelli. Opening on 14 November, this new comedy in Maltese present a "highly comical scenario whilst also dealing with the culturally relevant issues of technology and artificial intelligence." Directed by Josette Ciappara, 'SOFIE' follows Thomas who, much to his wife's dismay, has ordered a drone online. When the delivery arrives, instead of a drone they find an attractive girl robot, who quickly learns to adapt to her new environment. Their son Mark is amused, the maid is perplexed and the Cus- toms Department is on their heels. Teatru Manoel said that under Josette Ciappara's direction, a strong team of local actors will deliver Anthony Portelli's fast- paced and witty script. The cast features Simon Cur- mi, Sarah Vella, Magda van Kuilenburg, Justin Calleja, Christine Francalanza, Mario (Snits) Spiteri and Emmanuel Cassar. The set design for 'SOF- IE' is in the hands of Pierre Portelli. 'SOFIE' was chosen as one of the winners of Studio Francis Ebejer 2025, a collaboration be- tween Teatru Manoel, Teatru Malta and Spazju Kreattiv with the support of Arts Council Malta. The competition sup- ports the development and pro- duction of three new stage plays and one radio play, all in the Maltese language. 'SOFIE' will run at Teatru Ma- noel from 14 to 16 November, and again from 19 to 21 No- vember. For more information on the production and to book tickets, guests are invited to visit https://teatrumanoel.mt/ event/sofie/ or to call the Tea- tru Manoel Box Office at (+356) 21246389. Written by Anthony Portelli, SOFIE explores culturally relevant issues of technology and artificial intelligence within a highly comical setting ZfinMalta announces new artist appointments for upcoming season ŻFINMALTA has announced two new appointments under its Artist Development Pro- gramme for the 2025/26 season, naming Zoe Camilleri as As- sociate Artist and Luke Bugeja Gauci as Propel Artist. The national dance company said the programme is designed to support the growth of inde- pendent artists by providing access to studio space, mentor- ship, and opportunities for cre- ative collaboration. The initia- tive aims to strengthen Malta's dance ecology and encourage sustained artistic practice. Camilleri, a long-time collab- orator with ŻfinMalta, is well known within the local dance community for her work as a performer, choreographer, and movement director. She also leads company and open classes as part of the Iżfen programme. Beyond her dance practice, Camilleri runs Zowij.Makes, a slow-fashion brand through which she designs and produc- es bespoke garments. Most re- cently, she designed costumes for Simon Riccardi-Zani's And the others, presented during ŻfinDays. In her new role as Associate Artist, Camilleri will continue to collaborate with the compa- ny, contributing to upcoming projects and artistic exchanges throughout the season. Meanwhile, Bugeja Gauci has been appointed Propel Artist, a role that supports independent artists at a pivotal stage in their career. He began his training at The Dance Workshop under Theresa Lungaro Mifsud before continuing his studies abroad, performing and collaborating both locally and internationally. After joining ŻfinMalta as an apprentice in 2024, Buge- ja Gauci's new position marks what the company described as "the next chapter" in his de- velopment as a choreographer and performer. The appoint- ment will allow him to further explore his artistic identity and expand his creative portfolio with the company's guidance and resources. ŻfinMalta said the Artist De- velopment Programme reflects its ongoing commitment to "in- vesting in the future of dance in Malta" by empowering inde- pendent artists to "explore, cre- ate, and thrive." Zoe Camilleri and Luke Bugeja Gauci