Kafka’s The Trial to be staged at Teatru Manoel this June

A new theatrical adaptation of The Trial will be staged in Malta this June, bringing one of the most compelling works of twentieth-century literature to the stage at Teatru Manoel.

Starring Giovanni Costantino, Il Processo (The Trial) offers an intense and immersive theatrical experience centred on Josef K., a man caught in a dark, absurd and relentless system. In a striking feat of performance, Costantino gives both body and voice to K., while also voicing a further 17 characters, one actor bringing to life 18 distinct presences on stage. Blending narration, physical theatre, sound and visual elements, the production recreates Kafka’s unsettling world while exploring themes of guilt, alienation and the illusion of freedom.

Giovanni Costantino will be returning to the Maltese stage following last year’s success of Novecento – The Legend of the Pianist on the Ocean, bringing with him a wealth of experience from leading roles across Italy’s theatre scene. His works include Mastro Don Gesualdo by Giovanni Verga and Il giorno della civetta by Leonardo Sciascia, both directed by Daniela Ardini and La vedova scaltra by Carlo Goldoni under the direction of Oscar-winning Lina Wertmüller. Critic Gianluca Procopio, writing recently in La Repubblica, described Costantino as “one of the most recognised and appreciated actors of his generation in the Italian theatrical scene” for his ability to interpret complex and profound characters.

Through a minimalist yet evocative staging, the performance relies on transformation, voice and movement to shift seamlessly between characters, guiding audiences through a psychological and emotional journey that reflects the anxieties of modern society. The production’s use of soundscapes and projections further heightens the sense of tension, drawing viewers into a claustrophobic and disorienting environment.

The theatrical performance is directed by Andrea Battistini, a leading Italian theatre and opera director, with a long-standing career spanning more than three decades across major national and international productions. He has directed works for leading theatres and festivals, including productions of Shakespeare, Pirandello, Verdi and Mozart.

Commenting on the production, Giovanni Costantino said: “This work embodies a shared commitment to cultural enrichment, accessibility and social awareness. Il Processo is designed as an experience that engages with the present, inviting audiences to reflect on themes that remain strikingly relevant today.”

The production, which will be in Italian with Maltese and English surtitles will be performed on 6 and 7 June 2026 at Teatru Manoel, with tickets now available to the public. The official launch took place on 20 May at the Istituto Italiano di Cultura. It is supported by the Embassy of Italy in Malta, the Istituto Italiano di Cultura, the University of Malta, Com.It.Es., the Accademia Italiana della Cucina, the Italiani.it Foundation, and The Islands of Malta & Sicily Foundation.