MALTA, 23rd March 2016. This year the Spanish speaking world is paying homage to the Spanish master Miguel de Cervantes on the 400th anniversary of his death. World known by writing “Don Quixote”, Miguel de Cervantes (1547-1616) has left a rich and impressive legacy.
In this context, the Embassy of Spain in collaboration with other Maltese institutions as Spazju Kreattiv, the University of Malta and the National Library of Malta, has developed a series of educational and cultural activities with the aim of bringing this Spanish writer closer to the Maltese people.
Throughout February and March, the Embassy of Spain in Malta is running an artistic contest on the topic of Don Quixote targeting students from Form 1 to Form 6. The best works of the context will be exhibited for two weeks and the winners will be awarded by H.E the Ambassador of Spain in Malta, Mr. José Pons, in a ceremony to take place on the 22nd April at Spazju Kreattiv, St. James Cavalier in Valletta. On this special occasion, Dr. Adrian Grima will also make a presentation of the book Don Quixote, translated into Maltese language in poetic form by Pawlu Montebello and published by SKS (Sensiela Kotba Socjalisti).
On the 21st April, at 19:00, a homage to Cervantes will be held at the National Library of Malta. The event will consist of two parts. First, Mrs. Fiona Sciberras, professional interpreter, will introduce the work in progress of her translation into Maltese language of the Exemplary Novel by Cervantes “El casamiento engañoso”/ “Żwieġ Qarrieqi”.
Second, Professor Alfredo Moro, assistant lecturer at the University of Cantabria will give a lecture on the importance of the reception of Miguel de Cervantes for British letters through the exploration of the relationship between the Spanish author and one of the milestones of British prose fiction, Mary W. Shelley, in a conference entitled “Cervantes’ long shadow: Reflections on the reception of Don Quixote in Britain and its influence in Mary W. Shelley”.
As part of these celebrations, a film festival on the topic “Spanish literature in cinema” will also be running on the 7th, 14th and 22nd of April, at Spazju Kreattiv, St. James Cavalier in Valletta. The cycle will be closed on the 22nd April with the screening of the film “El Caballero Don Quijote” (“Don Quixote, Knight errant”, 2002) by Manuel Gutiérrez Aragón, inspired in the second half of the famous novel by Cervantes.
Schedule of events
Thursday, 7th April 2016, at 19:30 Spazju Kreattiv, St. James Cavalier | Screening of “El perro del hortelano” (“The dog in the manger”) by Pilar Miró, 1996. Based on the play by the Spanish playwright Lope de Vega. |
Thursday, 14th April 2016, at 19:30 Spazju Kreattiv, St. James Cavalier | “Los santos inocentes” (“The innocent saints”) by Mario Camus, 1984. Based on the novel by Miguel Delibes. |
Thursday, 21st April 2016, 19:30 – 20:30 National Library, Valletta | Cervantes’ long shadow: Reflections on the reception of Don Quixote in Britain and its influence in Mary W. Shelley, lecture by Prof. Alfredo Moro. Presentation of the translation by Fiona Sciberras into Maltese language of the Exemplary Novel by Cervantes “El casamiento engañoso” / “Żwieġ Qarrieqi”. |
Friday, 22nd April 2016 Spazju Kreattiv, St. James Cavalier | 18:30 Inauguration and presentation - Inauguration of the exhibition of the best artworks of the Arts and Audio-visual Contest on the topic of “Don Quixote”. Awarding ceremony. - Presentation of the book Don Quixote, translated by Pawlu Montebello into Maltese language in poetic form. 19:30 Screening of “El caballero Don Quijote” (“Don Quixote, Knight errant”) by Manuel Gutiérrez Aragón, 2002. Based on the novel by Miguel de Cervantes. |
All these events are open to the public.
Cinema screenings are free of charge though subject to booking in Spazju Kreattiv, St. James Cavalier: contact 21223216 / www.kreattivita.org