Malta Events Guide: February 2023

Malta Events Guide: february 2023

Here are some of the best activities you can enjoy when visiting Malta and Gozo this February

Music and theatre

Few things bring us all together more effectively than a captivating performance. From tongue-in-cheek comedies and music performances to new theatrical smashes and movie screenings, Malta has some incredible entertainment lined up this month!

mamma mia: the abba musical

skald live

The Eden Stand Up Comedy Night

SKALD Live
Date: 04 February
Location: Storeroom, Ta’ Xbiex

The local band ‘Skald’ was founded in 2017. The band’s genre may be loosely termed “contemporary folk” with the line-up consisting of vocals, percussion, acoustic and classical guitars, violin and bass. Skald initially started off as a one-project ensemble having been assigned to compose original music inspired by works of national poet Dun Karm Psaila as part of a commemoration event held at San Anton Presidential Garden. Soon after this event the band was approached by Festivals Malta to embark on a 3-year project with the aim to produce and perform contemporary music inspired by traditional folk music. The project included annual participation in the Ghanafest in 2018 and 2019, and in the 2020 virtual festival, as well as the production and recording of a studio album. The collaboration with Festivals Malta also included the production of three live session videos published online in the run-up to the album launch. Doors open at 9:00pm.

The Fabelmans
Date: 10-26 February
Location: Spazju Kreattiv Cinema , Castille Place, Valletta, Malta

A deeply personal portrait of a 20th century American childhood, Steven Spielberg’s The Fabelmans is a cinematic memory of the forces, and family, that shaped the filmmaker’s life and career. A universal coming-of-age story about an isolated young man’s pursuit of his dreams, the film is an exploration of love, artistic ambition, sacrifice and the moments of discovery that allow us to see the truth about ourselves, and our parents, with clarity and compassion.

MET Opera Live: Giordano’s Fedora (Encore)
Date: 12 February
Location: Spazju Kreattiv Cinema , Castille Place, Valletta, Malta

Umberto Giordano’s exhilarating drama returns to the Met repertory for the first time in 25 years. Packed with memorable melodies, showstopping arias, and explosive confrontations, Fedora requires a cast of thrilling voices to take flight, and the Met’s new production promises to deliver.

MSA’s 100 years at Palazzo de La Salle celebration: Concert Two
Date: 16 February
Location:Palazzo de La Salle, 219 Republic Street, Valletta 

Malta’s finest musicians will be joining forces to celebrate the Malta Society of Arts’ 100 years at Palazzo de La Salle with a series of monthly concerts and masterclasses.In this second concert, the Dominic Galea Jazz Trio will will perform works by Maltese jazz composers Sammy Galea, Charles Gatt, Frank Camilleri & Dominic Galea amongst others. Dominic’s works will consist of pieces from his albums Tribute (2004), The Legacy (2022) and The Promise (2022) released by Heritage Records.

Mamma Mia! – The Abba Musical
Date: 24-26 February
Location: MCC, Valletta

Known to be the eighth longest-running musical in West End history, Mamma Mia includes Abba hits including Super Trouper, Lay All Your Love on Me, Dancing Queen, Knowing Me, Knowing You, Take a Chance on Me, Thank You for the Music, Money, Money, Money, The Winner Takes It All, Voulez-Vous, SOS and the title track, Mamma Mia. The musical will feature West End leading lady Charlotte Gorton, as well as an all-star local cast including Dorothy Bezzina, Pia Zammit, Mikhail Basmadjian, Ray Calleja, Edward Mercieca, Sarah Mercieca, Thomas Camilleri, Nicole Cassar and Hannah Spiteri. Early booking is recommended as tickets will sell fast!

Get your tickets from www.showshappening.com

Ugo Sultan
Date: 24-26 February
Location: Sagrestia Vault, Valletta Waterfront

Ugo Sultan is a satirical take on the events of Maltese history. Although inspired by real events, don’t expect this to be a history lesson. Most of the piece is rooted in reality, but we have decided to look at the chain of events from a different angle. Greed is what ultimately caused the downfall of both parties, so we’re speaking about this prevalent topic in a joyful way.

Get your tickets from www.showshappening.com

The Eden Stand Up Comedy Night
Date: 24 February
Location: Eden Cinema, St Julian’s

The Eden Comedy Club returns for another hysterical Stand-Up Comedy Night, with three stand-up pros setting the audience up for a night of laughs. This edition will be hosted by Comedy Club regular Geoff Whiting. Once described as “one of Britain’s funniest men” (The Radio Times) and now celebrating his 16th year in the stand-up circuit.  

Aussie Damian Clark has become one of the hottest tickets in comedy clubs and festivals. His show at the 2018 Edinburgh Fringe won the Amused Moose People’s Champion Award and the same year won the Best Show Award at the Neath Comedy Festival in Wales. 

For over a decade Dan Evans’s twisted logic has been gladdening Stand Up Comedy audiences across the UK and Ireland. He’s also performed his accessible but frequently childish surrealism in front of chubby perspiring ex-pats in Dubai and Oman, and had his grammar rectified by politer crowds in Germany and Holland. 

 

CARNIVAL PARTIES

Carnival in Malta and Gozo is a highly anticipated event locally, with a variety of performances, elaborate floats as well as late night street parties and endless parties to keep adults entertained all night long.

Carne Vale Il Gran Ballo In Maschera

masquerade carnival edition

Cowboys vs Cowgirls

Cowboys vs Cowgirls
Date: 17 February
Location: Maxtura Bar & Restaurant, Zebbug, Gozo

It’s about to get wild in the wild wild west. Get your leather jackets, boots and hats ready – PRIME will be invading a brand new venue in Gozo.

Get your tickets from www.showshappening.com

Frisco Disco:  A Cosmic Carnival
Date: 17 February
Location: Villa Fiorita, Zebbug, Gozo

Are you ready to be whisked away to another’s galaxy, another universe, a place with no night and no day? Taking everyone on a musical cosmic quest is Nicky Luna, Patman, Sean Rickett  and Jono as well as a special performance by PartyWithMe. Dress code: Go wild, anything goes in the cosmic carnival.

Get your tickets from www.showshappening.com

YAKUZA & BLACK present: GOZO Carnival
Date: 17 February
Location: Maxtura, Triq ir-Rabat, Marsalforn, Gozo

YAKUZA and BLACK will be joining forces for a special underground night on the magical island of Gozo. Headliners on the night are Carl Bee and Daniel Bee, supported by  Fresh Prince, Georg, Chris Nooke, Braynod, Nevyalc. Doors open at 21:00.

Get your tickets here

Masquerade Carnival Edition
Date: 17 February
Location: Infinity by Hugo’s, St. Julian’s, Malta

Don’t miss the chance to dance under the stars surrounded by a magical atmosphere, funky costumes, and spectacular entertainment whilst enjoying breathtaking 360 degrees views. Vibe to reggaetton and RNB in the main room or house and techno at the house of Dom Perignon.

Get your tickets from www.showshappening.com

Bongo Porn: Jungle at the Villa
Date: 18 February 
Location: Villa Fiorita, Zebbug, Gozo

Villa Fiorita, an iconic venue in Gozo,  will be completely transformed into a jungle. Get your dancing shoes ready as party starts at 11am. Don’t forget to wear your jungle costume. It’s a wild one!

Get your tickets from www.showshappening.com

Elevated Carnival: Heroes and Villains
Date: 18 February

Location: Gozo Conference and Expo Centre, Triq ir-Repubblika, Victoria, Gozo

Are you a hero or a villain? Get ready to rave all night long whilst sporting your best cape.

Get your tickets from www.showshappening.com

Carne Vale Il Gran Ballo In Maschera
Date: 18 February
Location: Mediterranean Conference Centre, Valletta, Malta

Grand Master Pinto invites you to Carne Vale, il Gran Ballo in Maschera, a celebration of art, culture, seduction and beauty. What to expect:  welcome drinks and canapes, a seated four course lavish dinner complimented by superior wines followed by a three-hour open bar with international drinks.

Dine, dance and make merry as you become immersed into a magical world with harlequins and minstrels dancers, acrobats, musicians, all in magnificent costumes and tantalising masks of Malta’s own take on a flamboyantly magnificent Baroque Carnival.

Drawing inspiration from Dante’s epic poetry, patrons will be seduced by many wonders as they peruse highly stylised renditions of Dante’s Purgatorio, Paradiso and Inferno. They will then make their way to the dinner hall for a sumptuous four course meal replete with revelry, mystery and entertainment,  under the patronage of Grand Master Pinto himself.

Get your tickets from www.showshappening.com

 

art and culture

We’ve pulled together a rundown of promising arts and culture events to stir the senses this winter.

What'chu Looking at?, Who you Speaking with?: A Gazing All

carnival exhibition

Anamnesis: Visual Art Exhibition

Unseen and Unheard
Date: 1 February – 14 April
Location: The Storm Petrel Foundation, Triq Sant Anton, Attard

Unseen and Unheard is an exhibition that sheds light on overlooked or previously unrecorded war narratives and microhistories from Malta and elsewhere. It brings together items and artefacts drawn from different collections, with a primary focus on wartime experiences of women and girls.

The exhibition was inspired by a series of conversations between the Storm Petrel Foundation and Dr Robert Attard. Dr Attard had found a collection of letters written by a young German woman during the Second World War, some of which will be on display in the exhibition, together with other artefacts from a number of collections.

For more information visit www.stormpetrelfoundation.org

What’chu Looking at?, Who you Speaking with?: A Gazing All
Date: 1 February – 4 March
Location: Space A, Spazju Kreattiv. St James Cavalier, Castille Place, Valletta

This exhibition of contemporary art will explore the intricate entity of Africa through the eyes of contemporary African artists. A two-way gaze of reflexivity and shared understanding through artistic investigation will provide a look into the lived realities across the continent.

Re: //Apparat
Date: 9-12 February
Location: Studio Solipsis, 73, Triq il-Kbira, Rabat

Re: //Apparat explores the notion of tool making against drawing. Tool making is a physical or externalized approach to problem solving (or problem creating). As a sculptor, Matyou Galea tends to understand the world as a series of scenarios where objects engage with other objects, or individuals or abstract fleeting thoughts and intangible ideas. This interactive exhibition will allow the visitor to observe the art and even become it, in a playful interplay that juxtaposes function with dysfunction. 

Carnival Exhibition
Date: 2 February-5 March
Location: Atrium, Spazju Kreattiv, St James Cavalier, Valletta

The time awaited by everyone has come and Spazju Kreattiv will once again be doning the carnival colours and will be organising a number of activities in its surroundings. The programme will include an exhibition of carnival costumes as well as the mischievous Qarċilla that has come back to life in recent years.

AMYGDALA
Date: 1-9 February

Location: Blitz, 68 St Lucia Street, Valletta

AMYGDALA, the title of Kim Sammut’s first institutional solo exhibition, takes its inspiration from the region of the brain that receives inputs from all senses and processes emotions.  At Blitz Valletta, Amygdala is an intimate collective self-portrait delving into the quest for identity of young adults living out of sync with a commodified present which leaves no space for self-expression beyond money-making products. It is a present that Sammut keeps off-stage – the human body and its surroundings are stripped off all socio-cultural references except for a few clues – and yet we can feel its unsettling presence outside of the frame. To protect the bare self, Sammut conceived a shrine-like space, disconnected from the hectic life of the capital city. The exhibition includes four artworks, all never seen before – a drawing, two photographs and a video installation. 

C’est La Vie: Sculpture Exhibition
Date: 1 – 12 February
Location: Il-Kamra ta’ Fuq, Mqabba

The solo exhibition by ceramist Joseph Agius focuses on various aspects of life. The exhibition title is meant as a tongue-in-cheek or sarcastic comment to highlight the alienation that we are surrounded with and the ‘laissez-faire’ way of life that we are so used to live in. The aspects tackled are various and origin from different strata of life as well as from different countries. The sculptures presented in this collection are all executed in ceramics, a signature medium for Agius who has been working for over 30 years and all come with very evocative titles, which is very typical and expected of Agius’s provocative works.

Anamnesis: Visual Art Exhibition
Date: 1 – 26 February
Location: Space C, Spazju Kreattiv, Valletta

The project is an introspective visual art exhibition by Clint Calleja, consisting of paintings, sculptures, photography and installations revolving around the theme of ‘Trauma and Memory’. The artworks will be unfolding through autobiographical recollections that remain imprinted in his memory. 

Curated by Kenneth Cassar, this exhibition is an intimate confession through four life changing tragic chapters which have marked the artist and his family in a short period of time.

 

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