“Few people living with HIV in Malta have publicly disclosed their status or speak about the subject, underlining their fear of being alienated or discriminated against for having the condition. The theatre project included the participation of people living with HIV in Malta and is acting as an artistic platform to demystify HIV and the stigmatisation impacting their lives,” said Toni Attard.

A hospital visit becomes the first step for the characters to untangle the situations they find themselves in. Between the chemsex party where this comic play begins and the birthday party where it ends, the play is an emotional ride triggered by relationships, love, friendship, anger, joy, betrayal and most of all, hope.

Starring theatre favourites Josette Ciappara, Ray Calleja, Clare Agius, Stephen Mintoff and Benjamin Abela, as well as Danish actor and HIV activist Chris Vincent, this production has been in development for two years.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, which didn’t permit the show to be staged in May as initially planned, the public will now be able to enjoy Il-Pożittivi through an exclusive, on-demand online viewing experience instead.

The show will premiere at 8pm on Friday 18 June, and will be available until 30 June, 2021. After months of online and studio rehearsals, the actors will be recording the show as live, from the Valletta Campus Theatre during its closure.

With videography by Kevin Kiomall, the production will feature a set by Romualdo Moretti, light design by Chris Gatt and sound design by Michael Quinton.