On stage later this month at Spazju Kreattiv (April 25 & 26), Il-Futur Inkiteb Ilbieraħ is a performance in which a group of actors have to decide where to to begin to mark the legacy of Francis Ebejer, But where do they even begin? With his words? His life? His spirit?
“In front of the audience, as they pitch ideas and rehearsals spiral into theatrical chaos, the tribute takes on a life of its own – blurring the lines between past and present, rehearsals and reality, actor and role. And so, funny, unpredictable, and sometimes moving, this is not an ordinary tribute. Will the actors succeed, or will the tribute become the ultimate performance in itself?”
“This is Ebejer like you’ve never experienced before”, and so Times2 caught up with Director Clive Piscopo to find out more.
Why is it so important to mark 100 years of Francis Ebejjer’s birth – how important are his writings to Malta?
Celebrating 100 years since the birth of Francis Ebejer is about so much more than marking a date. It’s about honouring a man who revolutionised the way we view Maltese theatre. He wasn’t just a writer. He was a visionary who dared to tackle big themes like identity, the environment, the psychology of the individual, and what it means to be Maltese. And he did it all in our own language, with such beauty and depth. Through his novels and plays, he also helped put Malta on the cultural map internationally. Spazju Kreattiv’s celebration is not just about the past; it’s about showing how Ebejer’s voice still speaks to us today. His work continues to challenge, inspire, and resonate, and that’s what we’re bringing to life on stage in a very entertaining way.
Tell me about Il-Futur Inkiteb Ilbieraħ and how it works!
I don’t want to spoil too much but let’s just say Il-Futur Inkiteb Ilbieraħ is definitely not your typical tribute. The story begins with six actor-friends who are tasked with creating the ultimate homage to Francis Ebejer. Simple enough, right? Except they have no idea where to start. Do they focus on Ebejer the man, the artist, the playwright, the novelist? The pressure is real, and from there, things spiral into a hilarious, heartfelt, and sometimes chaotic journey of discovery.
This show pulls back the curtain – quite literally! The audience gets to experience what it’s like behind the scenes of a production. You know that feeling when you watch a play and wonder what the actors are saying to each other backstage, or how certain scenes came together? Il-Futur Inkiteb Ilbieraħ gives you that inside peek. It’s like being a fly on the wall during rehearsals.
Each character brings their own energy to the table: there’s the one who takes everything way too seriously, the one who’s just here for the vibes, the know-it-all, the over thinker… you name it. What unfolds is a behind-the-scenes look at how theatre is made; the process, the passion, the debates, the meltdowns and, ultimately, the magic. It’s a show about putting on a show, where art imitates life and life imitates art, all wrapped up in this very Maltese, very human tribute to Ebejer.
The mood is a real mix — it’s funny, reflective, and unpredictable. There are laugh-out-loud moments, quiet moments that make you think, and scenes that might catch you off guard. Above all, there’s heart. It’s a celebration of theatre, of Maltese culture, of creativity — and of friendship.
Visually, it’s playful but thoughtful. The whole team is working closely to craft a beautiful, layered, and entertaining experience. And of course, a huge shout-out goes to Spazju Kreattiv, our wonderful home for this production. Their support, along with the incredible team I get to direct, makes this whole experience truly special. I genuinely can’t wait for people to see it.
The artistic process that led us to where we are was an incredible ride that is reflected in the performance itself. The laughs, the rehearsal chaos, the frustration, the cameraderie between the creatives … I think the audience will feel that this is not just an act. In fact, for me, the most surprising part of this process has been how personal it’s all become. While the cast starts off playing actors rehearsing a tribute, somewhere along the way, the lines between characters and actors begin to blur. Life imitates art, and art imitates life. As creatives, we begin to draw from our own doubts, memories, and frustrations with the creative process. And suddenly, we’re not just performing a piece, we’re living it. In a way, I consider this piece a love letter to Maltese theatre and theatre makers. We celebrate the legacy we have inherited, but we also look ahead to forge our own path forward.
How do you hope audience members will feel at the end of the performance?
By the end of the show, we hope audiences walk away having had a great night out at the theatre. But also, maybe they’ll feel a spark of curiosity; a desire to rediscover Ebejer’s work, or even to learn more about Maltese literature. We hope they leave feeling proud of our language, our stories, and the legacy we’re continuing to build.
Il-Futur Inkiteb Ilbieraħ is a commission by Spazju Kreattiv in collaboration with Theatre Lab Malta.
The show runs on April 25 and 26
Book your tickets here
