Launch of Gaw Gaw: a Panto in the dark

The Esplora Interactive Science Centre, Kalkara has launched the campaign for ‘GawGaw a Panto in the Dark’ Teatru Malta’s latest and final production for 2018, made possible with the support and collaboration of Esplora, Interactive Science Centre, il-Premju tal-President, Arts Council Malta, CRPD and LESA. 

Written and directed by Marta Vella and Vikesh Godhwani ‘GawGaw a Panto in the Dark’,  is certainly going to be a treat for all those who are tired of the conventional and are looking to experience something completely different to anything that’s been done not just for Christmas but in Malta. This is a National First that is happening in complete darkness and together with the endorsement of Her Excellency the President of Malta Marie Louise Coleiro Preca.  This production will focus on the inclusion and involvement of the visually impaired because Panto is for everyone to enjoy. 

The Executive Chairman of the Malta Council for Science and Technology, Dr. Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando said “we aim to make a difference at a local level by tackling these lacunae. In fact, in line with the National Disability Strategy, Esplora held a number of initiatives to make the visitor-experience as inclusive as possible.” He added that “Esplora prides itself in ranking first among the applicants for this years’ Premju tal-President għall-Kreattivita’ funding scheme with an art and technology project showcasing what happens when the blind and the sighted are placed in a level sensory playing field.”

Artistic Director of Teatru Malta, Sean Buhagiar said: “GawGaw is a project that warms the cockles of our heart, and not because it’s Christmas. It is meant to shake the local system when it comes to theatre accessibility, where it is not an afterthought but part of the creative process. I believe the binaural sounds of our panto in dark will echo on a European level. It is also an eerily fun project. This is exactly the kind of theatre we want to create.”

The Maltese myth of the GawGaw is brought to life through the sound design of Mario Sammut as well as the voices of its stellar cast including Chucky Bartolo as Dame joined by the talents of Samuel Farrugia as Principal Boy, Davinia Hamilton and Joseph Zammit.

Executive Chair of Arts Council Malta, Mr. Albert Marshall said that Gawgaw is a project with two metaphors: the metaphor of il-Gawgaw, a local Christmas local folktale and the dark: whereby the dark is being presented as a means to bring all audiences together”.

Due to its specific nature seating for this production is very limited so think ahead and be aware that this show is an hour long and will be staged in complete darkness. GAWGAW is supported by Esplora,  Interactive Science Centre, CRPD, il-Premju tal-President, Arts Council Malta and LESA. 

Visit teatrumalta.org.mt or call 21220255 for bookings and more information about evening shows and matinees.