An adaptation of Francis Ebejer’s Il-Ħarsa ta’ Rużann will be held at the Spazju Kreattiv theatre in Valletta this weekend. The writing for the stage and direction are by Jamie Cardona, an 18-year-old young man who puts new energy and creativity into the production based on the short novel written decades ago.

The short novel Il-Ħarsa ta’ Rużann is considered to be one of Ebejer’s favourite among his own works. It deals with several themes, including the empowerment and development of Maltese society, social class, gender, the feudal system and the portrayal of women, among others. When regarded as an overview of society, one quickly realises that such themes are still relevant today. 

Cardona uses three characters that represent Maltese society and rewrites the story in a contemporary way – then leaving it to the interpretation of Sarah Camilleri, Ronald Briffa and Shelby Aquilina. The representation aims at offering an hour to showcase Ebejer’s work with a pop twist. An hour of theatre will represent the emancipation of Maltese society as well as the contrasts between Maltese and foreign culture... in serious and less serious moments. 

The original short novel is part of the course work covered by students preparing for their Maltese O level examination, thus, secondary school students, particularly those in Form 4 (Year 10) have the chance to watch the play and visualise the work they do in class. 

Ħares Rużann Bħalma Dejjem Int Ħarist is being put up at the Spazju Kreattiv theatre, Valletta on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 8pm.