ŻfinMalta’s first ever Christmas show is a truly unique collaboration with some of Malta’s best creative minds, bringing to life Trevor Zahra’s much-loved book Ħolm tal-Milied?From the first seeds of an idea to the astonishing audio-visual performance audiences are about to experience, the process of bringing the work together has been a magical ride for everyone involved and promises to be a beautiful and memorable Christmas celebration for all to enjoy.
When ŻfinMalta’s artistic director Paolo Mangiola first approached The New Victorians with a proposal to adapt the Maltese Christmas story Ħolm tal-Milied? into a dance theatre production with original live music performed on stage, the response was a resounding yes! With the author’s blessing, the next step was to assemble a team of artists to realise the dream. Italian choreographer Adriano Bolognino, a rising star on the European dance scene, accepted the challenge. Dramaturgy is by long time ŻfinMalta collaborator Victor Jacono, and for the first time, ŻfinMalta collaborates with Anna Horvath on set design and Laurent Uyttersprot with costumes, while Dali Aguerbi weaves his magic with light design. The result is a captivating full family experience, taking audiences on a nostalgic ride, while juxtaposing classic Maltese traditions with a fresh and contemporary choreography, musical score, and aesthetic.
The New Victorians are a high-profile, award-winning sister duo whose music and theatre have brought them local and international acclaim. Since 2015, they have released two full-length studio albums and multiple EPs, opened for multi-platinum artist Anastacia on her Evolution Tour and for the BBC Concert Orchestra in 2019, and repeatedly topped local airplay charts, to name just a few highlights.
Adriano Bolognino’s extensive portfolio of achievements includes recipient of the Danza&Danza Emergent Choreographer Award 2022, new creations for Kayzer Ballet in 2023 and Compagnia Opus Ballet in 2022. He was selected by the European Dance Network Aerowaves, and in 2020 the Venice Biennale commissioned him to create Your body is a battleground.
Teamed up with the world-class dancers who make up ŻfinMalta, Malta’s national dance company, this is a collaboration not to be missed. Tickets are already selling fast, so book now to avoid disappointment.
Looking ahead, ŻfinMalta is launching into a new year of international tours and collaborations with another stellar line up of local and international artists. Tickets are now on sale for the February performances of ŻfinDays 2024, a double bill featuring the work of two of Europe’s most renowned choreographers, Ambra Senatore and Mauro Bigonzetti, and you can catch ZfinMalta in April at Belgrade Dance Festival and Teatro Ariosto in Reggio Emilia. Download the full season programme from the website – zfinmalta.org.
The performance is based on the book Ħolm tal-Milied? by Trevor Zahra and published in Malta by Merlin. Supported by the Italian Cultural Institute of Valletta. It takes place on December 15, 16, 17, 30, 21 and 22 at 7.30pm at the Valletta Campus Theatre. Choreography is by Adriano Bolognino and dancers include Marti Blanco Romeu, Pearl Calleja, Lidia Caricasole, Noemi Coin Andreotti, Lotte La Haye, Jérémie Lafon, Keith Micallef, Marion Paquet (Apprentice dancer), Matteo Real, Simon Riccardi-Zani, Benjamin Spiteri (Apprentice dancer) and Amber Van Veen.
Upcoming performances
ŻfinDays 2024 – Double bill, Cantata, by Mauro Bigonzetti & Aringa Rossa .10, by Ambra Senatore. On February 16/17/18 and 23/24/25 at 19:30 at the Valletta Campus Theatre. Bookings: showshappening.com