Masquerade Theatre Company presents '1565' - the musical. This is the first time that an original musical built around Malta's history in 1565 is being presented. For most of us, the year 1565 conjures up images of courage, adventure, and the ultimate glory of victory. From the comforting distance of a history book, one might even be seduced into envying those people who defended their home country with such valour and success against impossible odds.

However, for those very people who actually lived through it, 1565 was a year of hardship, terror, and sorrow, with the only rest from physical and mental exhaustion being the all but inevitable death at the hands of an unrelenting enemy.

Newly joined to the Order of Saint John, Henrí is a young knight who has much to learn. He and his friend Alessandro regard life as many of their noble companions do; as a continuous banquet of adventure, women, and wine. However 1565 soon makes them grow up much faster than they would have otherwise preferred. Henrí's love for Anna, the enchanting local commoner, and his subsequent realisation of the sheer hopelessness of their situation forces him to make some very harsh decisions, and eventually, to make the ultimate sacrifice.

But is it possible for love and life to flourish when all is overwhelmed by carnage and death! 1565 gives you an intimate view of the Great Siege of Malta through the eyes of these three youngsters who got hopelessly entangled in the ferocious tumult of history.

Anthony Bezzina is the director, Mro. Paul Abela has composed the music, and book and lyrics are by Malcolm Galea. Costume designer is Ernest Camilleri, while Peter Howitt is the set designer. The musical is being produced in collaboration with the Malta Tourism Authority and will be staged at the Mediterranean Conference Centre in Valletta between the 10 and 13 February.

1565 THE MUSICAL

Book & Lyrics by Malcolm Galea
Music by Paul Abela
Direction by anthony bezzina
Sets by Peter Howitt
Costumes by Ernest Camilleri

Venue:
Mediterranean Conference Centre, Valletta

Dates:
Friday 11th February 2005 at 8.00pm
Saturday 12th February 2005 at 8.00pm
Sunday 13th February 2005 at 3.00pm
Sunday 13th February 2005 at 8.00pm

For more information, www.masquerademalta.com