Traditional ‘Qarċilla’ returns for Carnival both on and off stage
This week, on Thursday and Friday, the traditional Qarċilla will be presented at Spazju Kreattiv in Valletta. The Qarċilla is not just any other play for a number of reasons, but its most distinctive quality is that it is performed on the street. This time, however, it will be put on inside a theatre on February 8 and 9, then performed in the streets of Valletta on February 10 and 11.
the History
The Qarċilla is a Carnival tradition dating back centuries; some refer to it as a “street farce”. Put plainly, it’s a play about a marriage contract and the gifts that each spouse will receive from their parents, witnesses, and friends. Additionally, the notary is in duty of recording everything to ensure that the arrangement is enforceable in court. The kicker? All participating actors recite everything in rhymes. Ofcourse, all of this is done in satire of the nation’s political and social milieu.
The Qarċilla has a very long history, with the first and most famous one having been written by Dun Feliċ Demarco for the 1760 Carnival. Along with the political and social jabs, the Qarċilla would typically have numerous sexual innuendos and profanities. The participants would give it their all, clapping, singing, shouting, and occasionally even throwing objects.
The Qarċilla was brought back 10 years ago, in 2014, and then shown for the first time at the Spazju Kreattiv Theatre in 2022. Immanuel Mifsud, Leanne Ellul, Trevor Zahra, and Alex Vella Gregory have all contributed to its writing in previous years. Vella Gregory is once again in charge of this year’s edition, with Joseph Galea set to direct and produce. Here’s a look at the story they’ve put together:
the plot
Korradino is a notorious criminal so well-known that he even has his own personal cell. Rużann is the only person who can soften his heart; He watches her sunbathe on her own cell’s terrace every morning, from the terrace of his own cell on the opposite side of the prison. It’s finally time for them to publicly declare their love for each other in front of their fellow prisoners, following years of intense love and hidden rendezvous.
Upon making a single phone call to his associate, Notary Carmelo Caruana Carrotta, Korradino will at last become one with Rużann. Given that they are now married, they are eligible for the ‘Ċella b’Żigarella’ (or ‘Cell with a String’) programme, which gives them access to the penthouse with the pool inside the prison. All that’s left to decide is who to invite, and how to handle the gifts. And ofcourse, what will be the most magnificent present for him and his guests?
Il-Qarċilla will be performed at Spazju Kreattiv on February 8 and 9, with a show at 8 pm on each day. Tickets can be purchased here! Then, the actors will take to the streets on Saturday and Sunday with shows every hour between 3 pm and 6 pm. So, make sure to check out the Valletta Carnival this weekend, you might even catch a free glimpse of Korradino and Rużann while you’re there!
