The performance, being organised in collaboration with the Società Dante Alighieri, will consist of a cross-disciplinary approach connecting troubadour music performed by għannejja, with one of the most important pieces of literature ever written, Dante’s La Divina Commedia. By presenting a juxtaposition of the two different artistic worlds, Battibekki Kontra Dante aims to bridge the two cultures into one holistic vision, which is an approach that is integral to the vision of artistic director, Giuseppe Schembri Bonaci.
The performance will feature a well known group of għannejja consisting of Joe Grech ‘ta’ Raħal Ġdid’, Anġlu Theuma ‘il-Kina’, Mikiel Cumbo, more popularly known as ‘L-Iżgej’, as well as Johnny Saliba ta’ Birżebbuġa. The group is coordinated by organiser and stage manager Noel D’Amato, and will be accompanied by local actress, folk singer and teacher Yvette Grech Buhagiar. This group has already participated in in The Strada Stretta Concept, with previous performances being Imnalla fl-aħħar ħriġna (2020), Dido (2018), Turandot (2017) and Bizet’s ‘Carmen’ (2016), amongst several other projects. The originality of this event consists in its manifestation of the exciting ‘tense’ relationship Dante had with his contemporary troubadour friends. In Battibekki Kontra Dante, Maltese għana will be getting its revenge on Dante.
With this performance, the Valletta Cultural Agency is directly participating in the international commemoration of this milestone anniversary through The Strada Stretta Concept. Entrance is free, but booking is imperative. Kindly book a place by contacting info@vca.gov.mt or call on +356 2124 2018. Please note that due to the current situation, all attendees must be fully vaccinated, and are to wear a mask and maintain social distancing throughout. Vaccination certificates will be scanned upon entrance. More information on the event can be found on The Strada Stretta Concept and Valletta Cultural Agency pages on Facebook.
