Malta Society Of Arts press release

The Malta Society of Arts will be hosting a special evening as part of Inizjamed’s Malta Mediterranean Literature Festival on Friday 29 August 2025 at 8pm. The event, titled In My Dream: A Night with Ubah Ali Farah & Franco Tartaglia, will be held at the Society’s Concert Hall in Valletta and is supported by the Istituto Italiano di Cultura di La Valletta.

The evening will bring together literature, music and multilingual performance. Acclaimed Somali-Italian writer Ubah Ali Farah will be interviewed by cultural practitioner Virginia Monteforte about her literary work. Known for her evocative fiction and poetry, Ali Farah gives voice to the Somali diaspora, exploring Somalia’s history from the independence era and civil war to the lives of young Somalis in Rome. She is also an oral performer, and on this occasion will present part of her poetry in Italian, accompanied by Leanne Ellul, who translated her work into Maltese especially for the evening.

Photo : Martin Seychell

Complementing the literary programme is Maltese guitarist and composer Franco Tartaglia, whose musical interludes will weave through the event. Tartaglia, described as “an artist whose music blends classical and jazz fusion with a contemporary, adventurous spirit,” has developed a richly layered style influenced by diverse genres. His playing offers an emotionally powerful and refined sound that will provide an atmospheric counterpart to the spoken word.

Speaking about the event, a spokesperson for the Malta Society of Arts said: “We are delighted to host such an inspiring evening that celebrates literature, music and multilingual voices. This collaboration highlights the importance of cultural exchange and artistic dialogue, which lie at the heart of our mission.”

The evening will conclude with refreshments, offering audiences the chance to reflect and mingle. Admission is €5, with tickets available via Showshappening. Further information is available on the Malta Society of Arts website.

Event details:

In My Dream: A Night with Ubah Ali Farah & Franco Tartaglia

Friday 29 August 2025, 8pm

Malta Society of Arts Concert Hall, 219 Republic Street, Valletta