The critically acclaimed production Blanket Ban is set to make its long-awaited debut in Malta. The production, which explores the impact of Malta’s stringent abortion laws, will also feature post-show discussions focusing on reproductive rights and political theatre.
Written and performed by Davinia Hamilton and Marta Vella, Blanket Ban is a verbatim theatre piece constructed through interviews and in-depth research. The play seeks to provide a platform for real-life stories, reflecting on the realities faced by women under Malta’s abortion ban. Having been developed with support from Arts Council England, the production underwent a research and development phase between 2020 and 2022 at artsadmin and Artsdepot in London. It received the prestigious Untapped Award in 2022, leading to a successful four-week run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and an equally well-received season at The Southwark Playhouse in London in 2023, where it was a finalist for the Off-West End Awards.
In addition to the performances, two post-show discussions will be held. On 8th March, a Women’s Day panel on reproductive rights will take place, featuring experts such as Prof. Isabel Stabile, Dr Andrea Dibben, Dr Lara Dimitrijevic, and Francesca Fenech Conti, chaired by the play’s creators, Hamilton and Vella. A second discussion on 15th March will explore the role of political theatre, with contributions from Hamilton, Vella, directors Sam Edmunds and Vikesh Godhwani, and journalist Herman Grech. The play carries content warnings for strong language, graphic depictions of abuse, references to miscarriage and abortion, and other sensitive themes.
Hamilton and Vella expressed their enthusiasm for bringing the play to Malta, describing it as a ‘homecoming.’ They reflected on the impact of their previous runs in Edinburgh and London, where audiences frequently stayed behind to share their own experiences. “Malta’s abortion ban silences women, but their stories matter. This play is about giving them a platform,” they stated. Directors and producers Vikesh Godhwani and Sam Edmunds echoed these sentiments, highlighting theatre’s role in fostering debate and raising awareness. “We hope Blanket Ban contributes to the ongoing work of activists in Malta, replacing sensationalist headlines with real human stories,” they said.
The play has received widespread praise from critics, with Theatre Weekly calling it “hard-hitting and painfully eye-opening” and The Skinny describing it as “a heart-shatteringly brilliant piece of theatre.” Time Out lauded its ability to ignite conversations on women’s rights, while The Guardian noted its careful balance between buoyancy and sombre themes. WhatsOnStage remarked on the profound impact of its exploration of abortion access in Malta.
Performances will take place at Spazju Kreattiv, Pjazza Kastilja, Valletta, on March 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, and 16, with tickets priced at €25 (€20 concessions). The show is recommended for audiences aged 16 and above, and bookings can be made online at https://bit.ly/4h3HwKO. Produced by Chalk Line Theatre, Blanket Ban is part of Spazju Kreattiv’s programme and is supported by Arts Council Malta.
