Overview of the Upcoming Production
The University of Malta’s final‑year theatre studies cohort will take the stage this May to present an original drama titled Murder on the Dancefloor. The piece, scripted by Brendon Thearle and Julia Camilleri, explores the fraught final dance between two best friends, Kate and Emily, as they confront friendship, grief, and the urgency of speaking feelings before departure.
Founded on a narrative that blends poignant dialogue with kinetic choreography, the storyline follows the twins’ meeting for a last night of revelry. One of them—unwilling to accept the loss of a companion—seeks one final dance. The other, still firmly rooted in the living world, struggles to say a proper goodbye. The result is a dramatic exploration of loss and liberation that will be staged at the Valletta Campus Theatre.
Key Details for Attendees
Performance Schedule and Venue
The play will run on Friday 2 May and Saturday 3 May, both evenings beginning at 7:30 pm. The Valletta Campus Theatre, the University of Malta’s dedicated performance space, will host the event. The venue combines historic architecture with modern acoustics, providing an immersive setting that complements the play’s emotional intensity.
Ticketing and Participation
- Price: Tickets are offered free of charge, although a voluntary donation may be collected at the door for students who wish to support future productions.
- How to get a ticket: The production uses the Eventbrite platform for ticketing. Attendees can reserve a seat online, secure a place, and confirm their interest in the show.
- Age rating: The recommended age is 15+. The script includes strong language and some distressing scenes, so parents should consider the content before bringing younger teenagers.
- Health and safety: The event follows the University of Malta’s Covid‑19 protocols, ensuring a safe environment for performers and audiences alike.
Production Backed by the School of Performing Arts
The University of Malta’s School of Performing Arts has provided both financial and logistical support for the production. The School’s Department of Theatre Studies has guided the students through dramaturgy, stagecraft, and performance training, enabling a professional‑grade show crafted by student talent.
Behind the Scenes: From Script to Spotlight
The Creative Process
The script opens with a subtle question: how much can a single night of dancing heal? Brendon Thearle and Julia Camilleri crafted the narrative to reflect contemporary student experiences, blending everyday dialogue with lyrical staging. The script’s originality has been praised for its fresh take on the university theatre scene, offering characters that feel both specific and universal.
During the rehearsal period, the students experimented with choreographic interludes that echo the thematic beats of the story. The dancers—most notably lead performers Angelique Attard (Kate) and Monique Falzon (Emily)—intertwined physical movement into their Shakespearean‑styled speeches, creating a fluid blend of theatre and dance that keeps the audience engaged.
Design and Technical Elements
The set design reflects the duality between the living and the lingering. Modern lighting cues, minimal prosthetics, and a carefully curated soundtrack evoke the atmosphere of a dancefloor that both energizes and contains a sense of melancholy. Sound engineers employed subtle ambient noises—like distant applause and echoing footfalls—to deepen the immersive experience.
Students from the technical departments also assembled a custom soundboard and lighting rig, allowing the production to operate independently of the main theatre infrastructure. This hands‑on experience has broadened their skill sets and prepared them for future industry roles.
Why This Play Matters for Current Students
Performance art is an amplified voice for student communities. By writing and producing an original piece, the University of Malta’s students showcase the capacity for local storytelling to resonate globally. The themes of friendship, mortality, and emotional honesty are especially relevant to a cohort preparing to transition from academia to professional life.
Moreover, the play illustrates that the creative community at UM can produce quality literature that engages audiences and invites constructive conversation. This fosters a sense of pride and belonging among peers, faculty, and visitors.
Engage with the University of Malta’s Theatre Community
Beyond the two scheduled performances, the School of Performing Arts continues to thrive with workshops, seminars, and alumni talks. You can explore further learning opportunities and how to apply to the School’s theatre courses for 2026.
Additionally, the University’s broader cultural calendar includes the Mediterranean Literature Festival and tango evenings that highlight Malta’s artistic diversity. Connections formed at these events can provide networking and collaboration possibilities for aspiring performers.
Connect and Follow the Production’s Journey
The creative team is active on social media to offer sneak peeks of rehearsals, behind‑the‑scenes interviews, and directoral insights. For those who want to stay updated or submit review comments, follow the play’s Instagram account at @motdf.mt.
To learn more about the University of Malta’s conflict‑free programs and tuition discounts, consider checking out our study portal. It presents current scholarship options, course structures, and tuition information that can help plan your next academic step.
Take Action: Secure Your Spot and Support Student Creativity
If you’re within the recommended age bracket and want to witness an original play that pushes cultural boundaries, select a show date and reserve your free ticket now via Eventbrite. Bring a friend and share the experience— it’s a chance to support student artistry and witness a meaningful theatre moment.
Feel yourself drawn to theatre? Explore the School of Performing Arts for upcoming workshops and masterclasses that can sharpen your craft and connect you to a vibrant student community.
Questions or comments? Write to us today to discuss the show, request a press kit, or learn about future performances.
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