REPUBBLIKA IMMAKULATA (2019)

“Repubblika Immakulata is a stark representation of the wrenching social upheaval of contemporary Maltese society. It is a modern morality play with no pat answers but with many awkward questions about ourselves that today, on Easter Sunday, we would do well to ponder.” – Sandro Spiteri, Times of Malta

In the Mercieca family, four siblings live under the same roof: Anon, Franklin, David and Petra.

Everything unfolds within twenty-four hours: a national poll booth day for a snap general election, the village feast and Petra’s wedding.

David is running for office for the first time. Franklin – a fireworks enthusiast – leaves the house for the traditional festive march and is accompanied back home by the police. Petra, who’s been planning her wedding for three years, will have to navigate the winning political party’s street carcades on her way to church.

And none of them wants to give in and cancel their plans.

Repubblika Immakulata is an original comedy by Simone Spiteri, a writer synonymous with contemporary theatre, and twice award-winner of the Francis Ebejer Playwright Contest.

The play explores what makes us Maltese in the new century: how what once upon a time defined us as ‘Maltese’ might not necessarily be the case or valid anymore. And while we all hold on for dear life with a nostalgic memory of our collective identity, the twenty-first century keeps challenging us: whether we’re ready for it or not.

Repubblika Immakulata, a co-production between Spazju Kreattiv and Dù Theatre, was performed at Spazju Kreattiv Theatre in Valletta on the 29th, 30th, 31st March and 5ht, 6th, 7th April 2019.

Language: Maltese

Director: Simone Spiteri

Performers: Andrè Agius, Magdalena van Kuilenburg, Mark Mifsud, Kristjana Casha, Ryan Cutajar, Andrè Mangion, and Pierre Stafrace

Photos by DrooRizz Photography