“Sharing your passion with others, especially artists from different countries and cultures, is truly beautiful .”

Teatru Malta Takes Centre Stage at the European Theatre Conference in Slovenia!

Teatru Malta has just successfully participated in the European Theatre Convention (ETC) International Theatre Conference, hosted in Nova Gorica, Slovenia, from April 17th to 21st, 2024. This remarkable gathering united close to 200 theatre professionals. The eventful week featured eight new classroom plays within the Young Europe IV project and a variety of activities that fostered vibrant discussions while making valuable networking opportunities possible.

Teatru Malta proudly showcased two of its productions during the conference. First up was “GUTZ,” a play crafted for young audiences as part of the Young Europe IV festival. After touring classes in Maltese Sixth Forms, “GUTZ”, took centre stage at the Gimnazija Nova Gorica and at the France Bevk Public Library, alongside seven other thought-provoking plays from fellow ETC member theatres. These productions, coming from across Europe, fearlessly tackled issues like fatphobia, LGBTIQ+ experiences, migration, and mental health—a testament to Teatru Malta’s unwavering commitment to diversity and inclusivity in the arts.

Sean Buhagiar, Teatru Malta’s Artistic Director, reflected on the experience: “At the ETC conference in Nova Gorica, amidst stirring speeches and a kaleidoscope of performances, witnessing the culmination of years of effort, especially with our largest contingent ever, was deeply satisfying.”“Our four days in Slovenia were filled with learning and unforgettable experiences,” shared Miguel Formosa, a GUTZ actor. “The bond with our team grew even stronger, and conversations about our role as artists, both with familiar faces and new ones from across Europe, were lively and insightful. It was a blast being part of GUTZ!”

Michela, another GUTZ actress, also said: “This was an unforgettable experience that will stay close to my heart! Sharing your passion with others, especially artists from different countries and cultures, is truly beautiful. We were a fantastic team, and I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work so well together.”

 “The Best European Show” (TBES), a satirical comedy, co-produced by five European theatres, including our very own Teatru Malta, was put on the main stage at the Slovene National Theatre Nova Gorica. The play, directed by Haris Pašović and featuring Maltese actors Philip Leone-Ganado, Gianni Selvaggi and Antonella Axisa, has already toured Opole, Parma, and Malta before its current run in Nova Gorica and Kosovo. 

Haris Pasovic, Director of The Best European Show, commented: “Performing for diverse European audiences is always exciting, especially since the show itself is about Europe and theatre. This time, the international participants of the ETC conference were also part of the audience. Playing at the Slovenian National Theatre in Nova Gorica was fantastic. They were wonderful hosts, and the theatre itself is one of the best in Europe!”

From discussions on diversity and sustainability to the crucial role of theatre in shaping young minds, the conference provided a platform for meaningful dialogue among industry leaders and luminaries. Keynote speakers, including esteemed politicians and cultural figures, emphasised the importance of investing in European theatre to nurture a future rich in cultural diversity and public discourse. “Amidst the casinos and mountains, one moment you’re sipping Slovenian mountain water, and the next, you’re engaged in a debate over the existential motifs of a European classroom play. It’s this wild and wonderful blend of learning and collaboration that draws us back, time and again, always eager for another round of cultural challenges from little Malta,” shared Sean Buhagiar.

For Teatru Malta, the ETC conference was a resounding success. The showcase of “GUTZ” and “The Best European Show,” alongside our involvement in the Young Europe IV festival, reinforced our standing as a driving force in European theatre. The conference also served as a valuable platform for Teatru Malta to connect with international theatre professionals and artists, fostering collaboration and contributing to a vibrant European theatre landscape.