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2 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 29 MARCH 2026 THEATRE Adrian Buckle to launch A Darkness Over Rashford at Spazju Kreattiv MALTESE author Adrian Buck- le will launch his latest novel, A Darkness Over Rashford, at Spazju Kreattiv on 10 April, in an evening dedicated to dark fantasy, readings and drama. The book, the second instal- ment in the Deos Iræ series, con- tinues Buckle's exploration of myth, horror and the supernatu- ral, drawing readers into a world where divine conflict, darkness and human frailty collide. Known for his bold storytelling and the- atrical imagination, Buckle has built a growing reputation for blending fantasy with emotional intensity and dramatic scope. The launch promises to be more than a traditional literary event. Set in the cultural sur- roundings of Spazju Kreattiv, the evening will celebrate the novel through live readings and a dramatic presentation reflect- ing the spirit of the book itself. Guests can expect an atmospher- ic introduction to the world of A Darkness Over Rashford, which expands on the mythic and un- settling universe established in the first book of the series. Buckle, who is also well known in Malta's theatre scene, has fre- quently distinguished himself through work that reimagines classical and mythic materi- al with striking originality. His move between page and stage is reflected in the novel's vivid vis- uality and heightened dramatic tension, qualities that have be- come hallmarks of his creative voice. A Darkness Over Rashford is expected to appeal to readers of dark fantasy, supernatural fiction and myth-inspired storytelling. The novel deepens the saga of the Deos Iræ series, offering a tale marked by cosmic struggle, haunting imagery and moral complexity. The event is open to the public and offers readers an opportuni- ty to meet the author and cele- brate the release of a major new work in contemporary Maltese fantasy writing. The launch of A Darkness Over Rashford will take place at Spazju Kreattiv on 10 April at 6pm. A Maltese composer is behind the soundtrack of a newly re- leased independent video game that highlights advances in adaptive audio design. Craig Saliba contributed to Tiris, an action-adventure game developed by Cremaet Studios and released globally on Steam for PC. The title reflects a broader trend in the gaming industry, where smaller studios are driving technical innova- tion despite the dominance of large-budget productions. Tiris is structured around three in-game environments, each with a distinct musical identity. The Catacombs sec- tion uses low-frequency tex- tures and restrained rhythms. The Scriptorium introduces instrumentation influenced by Spanish musical styles. The Ca- thedral, the final area, features larger orchestral arrangements, including organ and choral el- ements. The project required a non-linear approach to compo- sition. Unlike film scoring, vid- eo game music must respond to player actions in real time. This means composers cre- ate multiple layers of music that can transition seamlessly depending on gameplay con- ditions, such as exploration or combat. To support this, the devel- opment team used audio mid- dleware including Wwise and FMOD. These systems allow different musical layers to be blended dynamically. However, the compositions themselves must be written in compatible keys and tempos to avoid au- dible disruptions during tran- sitions. Saliba worked as part of a team responsible for most of the soundtrack and composed the score for the game's promo- tional trailer. He also developed the central musical theme, which is used throughout the game in different forms. The production process in- cluded regular review sessions, held every two to three weeks, during which developers and composers tested how the mu- sic functioned within the game. A standalone version of the main theme, titled "The Secret of the Catacomb," has also been released on streaming plat- forms. The project illustrates the increasing role of adaptive audio systems in shaping play- er experience in modern video games. Maltese composer Craig Saliba scores adaptive soundtrack for indie game Tiris S I N G E R - S O N G W R I T E R Raquela has officially released her latest single, Sweet Noth- ings, now available on all major streaming platforms as of March 25, 2026. Written by Raquela and pro- duced by Jean Paul Borg, the track delves into the emotional aftermath of empty promises — from romantic relationships to friendships, family ties, and even professional interactions. The song captures the familiar expe- rience of heartfelt words that are later dismissed or forgotten, leav- ing behind confusion and a lack of closure. At its core, "Sweet Nothings" reflects the vulnerability and frustration that arise when com- munication breaks down. Un- answered messages, abandoned plans, and fading accountability form the emotional backbone of the track, giving voice to a uni- versal experience that extends beyond modern dating culture. The release is accompanied by an official music video produced by Max Chornomor, which brings a cinematic lens to the song's themes. Through visual storytelling, the video emphasiz- es the ideas of illusion and disap- pearance, reinforcing the emo- tional narrative presented in the music. With Sweet Nothings, Raquela adds a poignant and relatable en- try to her growing catalogue, of- fering listeners a candid explora- tion of trust, expectation, and the quiet impact of broken words. Raquela is currently available for interviews, features, and re- views, with additional press ma- terials available upon request. Raquela releases new single Sweet Nothings, examining the sting of empty promises