An elderly widow (Lily Harrison, played by Monica Attard) hires a dance instructor (Michael Minetti, played by Joe Azzopardi) to give her six dance lessons at home ... just six. Coming from very different social backgrounds, their rapport is dynamic and antagonistic at first, soon developing into a rare friendship. This is the premise behind Richard Alfieri's Six dance lessons in six weeks, which is being presented by Teatru Salesjan this November.
In the performance, the two protagonists come from completely different social backgrounds - the widow is conservative and wealthy and the young man is from an underprivileged Italian immigrant family. The play addresses themes of social differences, ageism, loneliness and intolerance, presenting a journey through overcoming prejudice and supporting each other despite obvious differences.
Directed by Irene Christ, this performance is one phase of the Theatre's project Six, an initiative with and for the elderly community, which was born within the context of its commitment to being a community theatre "in the heart of its community". In fact, as a spin-off of the performance, the theatre is also hosting Six Dance Workshops exclusively for individuals aged 60+ in different localities across Malta (Sliema, Birgu, Mellieħa and Birżebbuġa), facilitated by dance coach Pamela Kerr and to the music of Niels Plottard.
Speaking about the project, Teatru Salesjan's artistic consultant, Rosetta Debattista, said that "this story reminds us of the beauty that can exist among the least likely people, if only connections are allowed to breathe and unfold". Reflecting further, she stated that: "The theatre piece itself inspired the workshops simply because good theatre can move us towards a deeper sense of reality, one where conversation and connection can come alive through reflection, laughter and exchange."
As Teatru Salesjan in Sliema undergoes renovation, the performances of Six dance lessons in six weeks will be hosted within the beautiful and intimate setting of Palazzo Parisio in Naxxar on 11, 12 and 13 November at 7.30pm. Special ticket offers are available for senior card holders.
The Six Dance Workshops for ages 60+ will take place every Thursday morning between November and December across community and parish halls, with the aim of reaching elderly communities in towns and villages across the island. A new dance style will be introduced every week - the Swing, Tango, Waltz, Foxtrot, Cha-Cha and Contemporary Dance. No previous experience is required and participation is against a fee of €6 per workshop.
Teatru Salesjan is supported by the ADRC Trust and the BOV Joseph Calleja Foundation. Six is organised with the support of Arts Council Malta, Palazzo Parisio and The Imperial Hotel.
There are limited spaces available for both performances and workshops. Tickets can be purchased online from https://www.showshappening.com/ or by calling on +356 7799 7000.