http://www.peren-revues.fr/coupdetheatre/829 Publications de Auteurs Vicki Ann Cremona fr 0 http://www.peren-revues.fr/coupdetheatre/828 Anglophone theatre is spread across the world, mainly due to Britain’s colonial past and the global diffusion of the English language. Although Malta achieved independence from Britain in 1964, plays in English, generally by English authors, continue to dominate the Maltese stage. This essay traces the development of theatre in the English language in Malta, giving a brief overview of its growth under colonial rule, and presenting its current state. It distinguishes between English theatre, that is, theatre written by British or American playwrights, and theatre in English which is written or devised by Maltese authors and actors. It discusses efforts towards more professionalism, given that theatre in Malta is mostly amateur, except for some semi-professional companies. It shows how the choice of English theatre in Malta has often depended heavily on two main characteristics: success in the West End, or the polemical quality of the subjects dealt with giving rise to public discussion, also due to Maltese cultural characteristics and religious choices. It examines the choice of Anglophone authors on the Maltese stages, and the reasons for their selection, as well as any influence they may have exerted on local writers. It shows how English-language theatre was initially the expression of colonial power, and how progressively, it was used to express Maltese political dissent, and exploited to fight for freedom of expression in the theatre, and the abolition of censorship. ven., 07 févr. 2025 11:17:13 +0100 mer., 08 juil. 2026 13:53:57 +0200 http://www.peren-revues.fr/coupdetheatre/828