Bringing children’s literature to dynamic life on stage at the Malta Book Festival 

Young audiences and their parents will get a chance to experience a series of exciting theatrical performances based on award-winning books at this year’s edition of the Malta Book Festival, taking place at the Malta Fairs and Conventions Centre (MFCC), Ta’ Qali between 5-9 November and organised by the National Book Council (NBC). 

Curated by acclaimed author and theatre-maker Simone Spiteri, the performances will be based on Maltese books for children and young adults that had previously won the Terramaxka Prize at the National Book Prize. Two of the shows will be beloved ‘archive’ productions from previous editions of the Festival, with another two specially commissioned for this year – all of which will be staged at a brand-new theatre space specifically devised for the purpose. 

With their fresh and accessible take on literary material, the shows are yet another example of how this year’s edition of the Festival encourages us to think beyond established horizons, where we will all be found Writing Anew! 

The four productions will include:

Il-Kreatura tal-Bir (Ages 7+)
• Friday 7 November; 18:00–18:40
• Saturday 8 November; 18:00–18:40
Adapted by Miguel Formosa from Il-Kreatura tal-Bir by Simon Bartolo (Merlin Publishers).

Mikelin (Ages 4-9)
• Saturday 8 November; 16:00-16:40
• Sunday 9 November; 10:30-11:10
Based on the book by Sandra Hili Vassallo, illustrated by Susanna Rumiz (Merlin Publishers). Adapted and directed by Mikhail Basmadjian and Antonella Axisa, featuring Giuseppe Gauci Briffa as Mikelin. 

Fittixni (Ages 8+) 
• Saturday 8  November; 14:00-14:40 
• Sunday 9 November; 15:00-15:40
In collaboration with MVPA. Adapted from the novel by Antoinette Borg (Merlin Publishers), directed by Karl Cassar with MVPA student actors.

Madam Ortensja Paskwalina de Rohan (Ages 3–7) 
• Saturday 8 November; 11:00-11:40 
• Sunday 9 November; 13:00-13:40
Adapted from the book by Clare Azzopardi, illustrated by Moira Scicluna Zahra (Merlin Publishers). Directed by Jacob Piccinino.

“The NBC is excited to once again welcome young audience members to experience the magic of Maltese literature on stage,” NBC Executive Chairperson Mark Camilleri said. “This year, we have revamped the experience by opening it up to more than just school visits, with four bespoke shows taking place across various days of the festival,” Camilleri added, expressing confidence that this new approach, when coupled with the “fantastic” staging of the works currently being devised by the team, will translate into a greater appreciation of local literature by the young attendees. 

Artistic Director Simone Spiteri said that theatre and literature for children are the bedrock of a holistic educational foundation, shaping imagination, empathy, and cultural awareness from an early age.

“I’m very excited to be curating this group of four theatre pieces, working alongside a varied mix of established and emerging directors, actors, and creatives who each bring unique energy and vision to the stage. It’s a real privilege to see such collaboration at work and to work with NBC who is placing its trust in the theatre community to bring Maltese literature for young audiences to life in ways that inspire and endure,” Spiteri added. 

Spaces for each show are limited to 100 seats, so get booking now via Eventbrite! 

All of the theatre shows will be taking place at the Malta Book Festival at MFCC, Ta’ Qali from Friday, 7 November until Sunday, 9 November. Entrance is free but registration is required via Eventbrite. For more information, visit ktieb.org.mt or follow the National Book Council on Facebook and Instagram. The full festival programme will be released in the coming days.