On the occasion of the bicentenary year from the birth of St. John Bosco, patron saint of children and youth, the Don Bosco Oratory of Gozo will be staging the rock-opera in Maltese ‘GWANNINU.’ This original rock-opera recounts the story of St. John Bosco through music, song and dance.

Composed by Stephen Attard, with the story and lyrics by Effie Masini and Emanuel Cordina, ‘GWANNINU’ was originally produced thirty years ago, and was successfully staged for a record number of 44 times in 1985 and 1988. In the history of local broadcasting it was also the first musical to be filmed on location for television back in 1988.

The same musical film was also broadcast on television in Italy, Spain, Canada and Australia in 1989. Now, on the occasion of this bicentenary year of St. John Bosco, the rock-opera has been revised and recorded anew at Philip Vella’s Studios in Malta, and preparations are underway for its stage-production this November.

The main characters in ‘GWANNINU’ are being interpreted by Mario Caruana and Nathan Cini. Other singers include Pamela Bezzina, Noel Galea, Ruth Portelli and Joseph Refalo together with a cast of about 100 singers, actors and dancers.

Musical direction has been entrusted into the hands of the rock-opera’s composer Stephen Attard, whilst stage-production will be under the direction of Gordon J. Grech.

‘GWANNINU,’ a two-hour spectacular show of song, music and dance, will be staged at the Don Bosco Oratory Theatre in Gozo on Saturday, the 14th of November at 7.30pm, with repeat performances on Sunday, the 15th at 2.30pm (matinee’ show) and Saturday, the 21st of November at 7.30pm. Other special shows for school children are also being planned.

Booking is now open and tickets can be obtained from the Don Bosco Oratory of Gozo. Ticket hotlines: 21556616 or 99487751. Booking by e-mail on odbgozo@yahoo.com is also accepted.

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