(Inspired by Dostoyevsky’s The Gambler and Regnard’s The Gamester,) Każin Barokk is an immersive theatrical performance, directed by Elli Papakonstantinou, that plays with saints and sinners, the Baroque and the contemporary, fast-food franchises and the colours of traditional feasts against the backdrop of changing local and global socio-economical realities and the promise of a gamble upon your own identity.

Held at the majestic Notre Dame Gate in Birgu, this game-like performance will transform the near 400 year old building into a dark and beautiful maze, to open up a myriad of possibilities conjured by real-time video, live music, Baroque choir and robotics.

Such a myriad, in fact, that you will be invited to play a game riddled with gambles yourself – a game that allows you to alter the course of the performance however you like.

And as you do, you will ask yourself two questions: who you are and how much of your identity you’re willing to gamble away.

The die is cast, the card is drawn. Will you join us?

Każin Barokk will be taking place on the 14th, 15th and 16th September. The name given to this performance is a delightful play on words. Każin being a local bar, but also leads to the word ‘casino’. Barokk refers to the Baroque period in arts and music, from about 1600 to about 1750, marked by elaborate ornamentation and efforts to create dramatic effects, but also to the mish-mash of cultures and identities. The latter is typically what Maltese culture is all about due to its location, history and globalisation. The performance explores if and how Maltese culture is being gambled away.

N.B. This event is not wheelchair accessible.

Warning: Strobe lights are used during this performance.

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Concept + Libretto + Directing: Elli Papakonstantinou

Performers: Anastasia Katsinavaki, Pantelis Makkas, Tilemachos Mousas, Marie Keiser-Nielsen, Marta Vella

Male vocal soloist ensemble: Franco Vella (tenor), Karl Cassar (tenor), Daniel Micallef Grimaud (baritone), Masa-hiro Taniguchi (bass)

Brass ensemble players from Tikka Banda: Wayne Bonello (Bb Trumpet), Joshua Farrugia (Bb Trumpet), Justin Formosa (Bb Baritone), Antoine Schembri (Trombone), Rebe Barbara (Tuba)

Video Design + Real-time video + Set and Costumes Design: Pantelis Makkas

Choir conductor + composer + arranger: Alex Vella Gregory

Music composition + live guitar + electronics: Tilemachos Moussas

Choreography: Spyros Kouvaras
Dramaturgical collaboration: Bettina Borg Cardona

Construction + programming of the Robot: Robotic Design and Engineering: I+A

Lighting design: Olympia Mytilinaiou
Music coaching: Tilemachos Moussas, Alex Vella Gregory

Assistant Director: Cemre Kara, Anastasia Katsinavaki

Stage Technician: Edgar Dimech
Communication: Valletta 2018

Produced by Valletta 2018