Happiness, tension, love. These are some of the complex emotions experienced by the characters in MOVEO’s new production.
It-Tfajla tal-Għonella is a contemporary dance performance which finds inspiration from Maltese traditional culture andaspects of the Baroque era. This work consists of a series of narratives that occur in four different scenarios – the market, the Baroque ball, the war and the Maltese wedding. In each scenario, one can become absorbed in abstract yet romantic relationships between different couples – among the fabrics in the market or within the distressing setting of a war. Although the narratives are diverse, the one constant factor that ties them all is the għonnella – a piece of fabric that was worn by Maltese women and which represents part of the Maltese traditional identity.
This production goes beyond a simple dance performance. Itinvolved research, carried out by Stefanelle Cachia, on Maltese traditions during the Baroque era, used with an artistic licence, to inspire both the movement and the stories that intertwine within each setting, in order to link traditional aspects to a contemporary context. It is also multi-disciplinary performance with music adaptation by Albert Garzia which aid in the creation of a truly holistic experience.
It-Tfajla tal-Għonella is choreographed by Dorian Mallia, in collaboration with the dancers: Diane Portelli, ChristinaCauchi, Elena Zammit, Pamela Kerr, Cassandra Galea, DorianMallia, Tom Shale- Coates, Francesco Joseph Nicode.
It-Tfajla tal-Għonella will be staged at the Manoel Theatre, Valletta on the 13th, 14th and 15th of February at 8pm.
