AMADEUS by Peter Shaffer brings to life the story and music of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Salieri. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is nowadays rightly regarded as arguably the greatest composer that ever lived. But when he died in poverty in 1791 aged just 35, he seemed to be one of the forgotten men of music. By contrast, his contemporary and rival Antonio Salieri, who by his own admission was an infinitely inferior composer, had prospered. A paradox or what? Out of this anomalous situation the English dramatist, Peter Shaffer has fashioned his acclaimed play, Amadeus. Shaffer sends us back more than 180 years to Vienna, city of musicians.
First produced by Britain’s National Theatre in 1979, it has enjoyed long runs on Broadway, in London’s West End and been seen by audiences all over the world. Amadeus was the recipient of both the Evening Standard Award and the Theatre Critics Award. In the United States, the play won the coveted Tony Award and went on to become a critically acclaimed major motion picture winning eight Oscars, including Best Picture. Masquerade is set to stage this classic play for the second time, having staged it to rave reviews 16 years ago at the same Manoel Theatre.
The title role - and plum part of Mozart - is to be played by one of Malta’s high-flying actor, Thomas Camilleri. Manuel Cauchi makes a comeback after an absence of 4 years from local theatre, to play the role of Salieri. Michael Mangion is the ‘Emperor Joseph ll of Austria’, Alfred Scalpello is ‘Chamberlain Von Strack’, Franco Sciberras plays the part of ‘Count Rosenberg-Orsini’, Massismo Portelli is ‘Baron van Swieten’ and the whispering ‘Venticelli’ will be played by Vitor Debono & Stephen Mintoff. Mozart’s wife, ‘Constanze Weber’ is a terrific part for a young actress and it goes to Monique Weber Genius. Jasmine Farrugia plays Katherina Cavallieri and Maria Caruana is Teresa Salieri.
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