Utopian Nights invites the public to engage with specific contemporary issues to promote a more inclusive society. With artists and local as well as international thinkers, the public will participate in a collective effort to design a utopia, an alternative society for a better future. The upcoming edition, The Utopian Nights on Commons, takes place on the 23rd and the 24th of November at Chinese Garden of Serenity in Santa Luċija.

This edition will revolve around a series of public debates, during which international and local experts as well as the public are invited to discuss the topic of ‘Commons’ and how this relates to Malta. We will challenge the necessity of private property and expose possible ways to join forces and organise the sharing of commons. The three main themes are work, environment and heritage and how boundaries and communities are challenged in the wake of local hot topics such as migration. Round-table discussions will take place from 2pm to 7pm, on both days.

On Friday 23rd November at 7pm, Tunisian dancer duo Chakib Zidi and Mohamed Ali Agrebi (Dali) will enliven the Chinese Garden of Serenity with their Meeting Fingers performance. Another international artist taking part is the Turkish artist Menekse Samanci, who will present her interactive installation entitled Save the Peace on Saturday, 24th of November at 7pm.

A closing party will be taking place at the location, in collaboration with Mahalla Festival, on the 25th of November during the evening. This closing party marks the end of a successful series of Utopian Nights events.

Full Programme:

Friday 23rd November
Chinese Garden of Serenity, Santa Luċija
Debate: 2pm – 7pm

“The Commons at Work” & “Universal or Dissident Commons”
Performance at 7pm, the Turkish artist Menekse Samanci will present her interactive installation entitled Save the Peace.

Saturday 24th November
Chinese Garden of Serenity, Santa Luċija
Debate: 2pm – 7pm

“Urban Commons” & “Building a Common Heritage”

Performance: 7pm

Tunisian dancer duo Chakib Zidi and Mohamed Ali Agrebi (Dali) will enliven the

Chinese Garden of Serenity with their Meeting Fingers performance.

Sunday 25th November
Marching for Common History

Since 2015, the corpses of 20 people who died at sea, traveling in a boat carrying about 600 people, all attempting to reach Europe, are buried in an unmarked grave. We believe that this political tragedy is part of Maltese history and should be publicly recognized. To this day, there is still no plaque identifies this grave. The March will reach the grave of the April 2015 shipwreck in Addolorata cemetery at 4pm.

This will be followed by a Closing Party (DJ party) Chinese Garden of Serenity, Santa Luċija