The Manoel Theatre, in collaboration with Talenti, presents Francis Ebejer’s social comedy Meta Morna tal-Mellieħa, which is being presented on the 20th anniversary of his death.

In this social comedy, through three generations of the same family, the playwright clearly demonstrates the changes in the social lives of the Maltese over the past few years.

The relationships between humans, especially those that live together, are especially well depicted in this piece.

Similarly to his other works Il-Ħadd fuq il-Bejt and Fl’Imnarja Żmien il-Qtil, Ebejer presents us with local characters which we instantly recognise.

The relationships between humans, especially those that live together, are especially well depicted in this piece

In a Mellieħa house, we meet the grandmother Ċens, a woman who lived all her life in the country together with her husband. Their life was one of hard work and dedication, toiling the field beside their home – the field which was the family’s livelihood. Over time, due to her husband’s death and her old age, she cannot maintain the field any longer and resigns to living in the house with her children Rikkard and Maria. The field is abandoned and neglected.

Several offers to purchase the field for development are made, but Ċens is reluctant to sell it as she hopes her grandson Mario (Maria’s son) would take it over and bring it back to life. Mario, however, has chosen his studies over working in the field.

Pawlu and his children Yvette and Ġorġ pay a visit. What is the reason and significance of this visit? Is Pawlu’s intention realised? What do white chickens mean to Maria? And, more importantly, is the Grandmother’s wish to see her field revived before she dies fulfilled?

The cast includes Theresa Gauci, Michael Tabone, Rita Camilleri, Carlos Farrugia, Simone Debattista, Michael Sciortino, Elaine Saliba and Clive Piscopo, and the play is being directed by Mario Micallef.

Meta Morna tal-Mellieħa is being performed on Friday, Saturday and next Sunday at the Manoel Theatre at 8pm. Tickets are available online, by calling on 2124 6389, or by sending an e-mail to bookings@teatrumanoel.com.mt.

www.teatrumanoel.com.mt