Costantino Films has announced the staging of Novecento at the Manoel Theatre, Alessandro Baricco’s captivating monologue that tells the extraordinary story of a pianist who lived his entire life aboard an ocean liner. The play, which inspired the cinematic masterpiece The Legend of 1900 directed by Giuseppe Tornatore and starring Tim Roth, will be performed at the Manoel Theatre in Italian with English surtitles on 22nd and 23rd February. It is directed by the accomplished Daniela Ardini.
Novecento recounts the life of its protagonist, a gifted pianist born and raised on the Virginian. He never sets foot on land, instead finding freedom and purpose at sea, enchanting passengers with his extraordinary music. Told through the eyes of a close friend, this poetic and thought-provoking monologue explores themes of identity, freedom, and the interplay between reality and imagination.
Alessia Bonnici, a rising star in Malta’s music scene, blending classical piano with innovative projects, will be delivering the piano performance. As an artist on the autism spectrum, Alessia finds her voice through music, transcending traditional communication barriers. Alessia is currently reading for her Diploma in Piano at the Malta School of Music while pursuing her musical career.
The play’s narrator and protagonist, Tim Tooney, will be portrayed by Giovanni Costantino, an accomplished actor with an extensive portfolio of leading roles in Italy’s foremost theaters. Costantino was co-protagonist and directed by Academy Award winner Lina Wertmüller in The Clever Widow by Carlo Goldoni. He has also been the protagonist in numerous other productions, including The Trial by Kafka, Brothers Karamazov by Dostoevskij, Mastro Don Gesualdo by Giovanni Verga, and The Lonesome West by Martin McDonagh. His versatility and profound ability to bring complex characters to life ensure a compelling and unforgettable performance in Novecento.
Speaking about the initiative, Giovanni Costantino of Costantino Films said: “With Novecento, we aim to build a bridge between Italian and Maltese cultural excellence. This production is not just a celebration of a literary and theatrical gem, but also an opportunity to foster professional collaboration and spark dialogue on themes that resonate universally, such as identity and belonging.”
The production embodies a shared commitment to cultural enrichment and social awareness, uniting audiences through a timeless story brought to life on stage. Novecento is supported by Supported by Arts Council Malta, Italian Embassy, Istituto Italiano di Cultura a Valletta, Com.It.Es, L-Università Tà Malta Faculty of Arts, M.A. Film Studies, The Island of Malta & Sicily Foundation, Italiani.it Foundation, Accademia Italiana della Cucina.
Puttinu Cares Foundation will be supported through this event.
For further information about the show, including dates and ticket availability, please visit https://booking.teatrumanoel.mt/event/7214/novecento or contact [email protected]