The Malta Classics Association has teamed up with Mediteatru to produce an original play for this summer’s Evenings on Campus arts festival at the University of Malta.

'Ovidius in exsilio' is a play in Maltese written by Ġorġ Peresso who combines fact with fiction in this new take at one of the most intriguing episodes from ancient history. Ovidius was the celebrated poet who dazzled Rome with his poetry of wanton seduction and mythical metamorphoses. In A.D. 8, at the height of his poetical powers, Ovidius fell into disgrace with Emperor Augustus. The cause remains unknown, but the penalty was terrible. The emperor banished him for life to the half-barbaric Tomis at the far-end of the empire, on the bleak coast of the Black Sea.

Away from the charms and comforts of civilisation, we find the ageing Ovidius dying of boredom. He desperately clings to the fading hope that an official pardon would one day bring him back to Rome. Time is against him, his health is diminishing, and he fears his muse is abandoning him. Suddenly, a new burst of creativity gives him a fresh lease of life; He will teach the barbarians the glorious Latin language and he will make them understand the grandeur of Roman culture and literature. Ovid tries to sow the seeds of civilisation in this land of exile but what is the real motive of this sudden surge in a moribund fire? Will Ovid ever succeed in this maddened endeavour?

Keith Borg is directing his first major work as a theatre-director. A mixture of established actors and newcomers makes up the cast, comprising of Anthony Ellul, Simone De Battista, Mark Schembri, Claudio Carta, Kurt Pawley and Chris Scicluna. Performances will be held on the 26 and 27 of July at the Atriju Vassalli at the University of Malta, and both shows are set to start at 2100hrs.

Tickets can be bought from Room 133, Administration Building, University of Malta or by phoning on +356 2340 2043; +356 2340 2142 or by sms on 7984 3480 or by email.