‘Il-Qtates ta’ max-xatt’ or ‘The Cats by the Shore’ in English, personifies the stray cats we see everyday. Adapted from the 2019 children’s opera, which is an adaptation itself, this endearing puppet show explores the delicate themes of loss and abandonment from the perspective of a clowder of singing stray cats. 

Before it was an opera, ‘Il-Qtates ta max-Xatt’ was a children’s book written by Clare Azzopardi, one that actually won the National Book Prize. The story follows a group of cats who sit by the shore, regularly well-fed by the elderly couple that lives nearby. But what happens when the couple stops showing up one day? The audience is taken on an emotional journey as the cats struggle to come to terms with the supposed disappearance of two of the most important people in their life. 

Through the upbeat art of puppetry and music, ‘Il-Qtates ta’ max-Xatt’ enables audiences of all ages to enjoy a melodic version of a story that tackles one of children’s greatest concerns. The fact that it is going to be held in the Esplora Planetarium, which will be transformed into a mesmerising theatre, will only elevate the show even further. In fact, no regular planetarium shows will be taking place during that weekend.