Sweet sixteen follows a pivotal moment in a young girl’s life as she prepares to celebrate her sixteenth birthday with a romantic picnic alongside her boyfriend. What begins as a simple celebration quickly marks a turning point, a shift where the idea of growing up suddenly feels real. Familiar relationships begin to change, even break and a new chapter unfolds, leading her into the unknown.
This piece is inspired by a real-life event, reimagined through a creative lens. With the support of the cast and crew, we aim to create an experience that may provoke thought, stir emotion, and spark conversation without preaching.
The show is performed by a single actor Katrina Lupi who brings this sensitive and emotionally rich character to life. Her strength lies in her ability to capture subtle emotional shifts and maintain audience engagement through a solo performance.
As the story is set in a natural space surrounded by greenery and trees, the staging and aesthetic aim to reflect both the physical setting and the character’s internal journey, creating a narrative-driven experience that mirrors her emotional landscape. Minimal props will be used, with the performance enhanced by technological elements such as projections to add depth and atmosphere.
The play features a degree of code-switching between English and Maltese. This choice reflects the way many people, especially younger generations, the way they speak today. This adds a sense of realism and relatability to the piece.
Overall, the show can best be described as bittersweet. It balances tender, emotional moments with hints of joy and nostalgia, capturing the complex feelings tied to growing up.
As artists, our role is to share stories and ideas. Our hope is this work invites feedback, conversation, and an open discussion about what the audience has experienced, and that audiences leave with something to reflect upon.
Josue Formosa
From June 5-7, Skeċċ: The National Festival of Short Plays will present a series of short new original theatrical productions, each lasting between 10 and 20 minutes, at Spazju Kreattiv.
This newly produced festival promises a unforgettable journey into compelling storytelling and theatrical innovation by providing a platform for fresh voices and emerging talent, fostering creativity and encouraging new perspectives within the theatre community.
