Aħna Refuġjati, a next-generation opera by Valletta 2018, closes with a last performance today at the Granaries in Floriana.

Recounts the challenges encountered by a Syrian family forced to leave home due to civil war

More than 150 people have worked on the production, which sees over 100 people on stage, including 10 main singers, a choir of 35 people, eight acrobats and around 30 extras.

Cast members include some of Malta’s most respected artists like Miriam Gauci, José Hernández Pastor, Joseph Zammit, Clare Ghigo, Federica Falzon, Nico Darmanin, Ruth Sammut Casingena, Nadia Vella, Louis Andrew Cassar and Joseph Lia.

With a libretto written by Mario Philip Azzopardi, who is also the director of this production,  Aħna Refuġjati recounts the challenges encountered by a Syrian family forced to leave home due to civil war, including crossing borders, lack of basic human rights, racism, separation and loss, on a trip motivated by hope for a better life away from war. From the unpleasant conditions in the refugee camp, hunger, loss, dispute, and even brief moments of love and happiness, this opera presents a broad spectrum of human emotions.

With music by Mario Sammut and Richard Merill Brown, this opera offers a new audiovisual experience. The sounds of 184 instrumentalists, that have been created virtually by Sammut inside his studio thanks to cutting-edge musical technology, provide a unique acoustic experience for the audience present at the Granaries. This use of electronic technology, which is frequently found in the world of cinematography, complements the more traditional orchestral style of Merill Brown, who is also the musical director of the production.

Although the opera is written and produced entirely in Maltese, surtitles in both English and Maltese are shown, so that everyone can follow the action on stage.

Aħna Refuġjati is organised by the Valletta 2018 Foundation. Tickets are available online.

http://tickets.valletta2018.org

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