Tech by Day, Theatre by Night – By Joseph Galdes

Joseph Galdes, IT Manager at AX Group Business Centre, shares his passion for theatre, explaining how his enthusiasm for the performing arts has not only enriched his personal life but also enhanced his professional experiences. Discover more about how he blends these two worlds below.

I am proud to share that our recent production “Pandemonju” was recognised at the Cospicua Short Play Festival, winning awards for Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Director, and Best Production. This acknowledgment marks a highlight in my long-standing involvement in the theatre world, a passion that has been a part of my life since childhood.

My journey into theatre began early, with encouragement from Mr. Giovann Attard, an Education Officer in Drama in Education, who urged me to take the stage during my primary school years. In secondary school, at Liceo Mikiel Anton Vassalli, I expanded my skills to backstage production under the guidance of Mr. Paul Buhagiar, where I gained experience in stage building, lighting, and sound for the school’s prize day.

After a decade-long break, I returned to the theatre in 2010 with the Zebbug Pageant Group, and since then, I have been deeply involved in numerous productions. For the past seven years, I have volunteered at Teatru Dumnikan in Birgu, working alongside esteemed local actor and director Mr. Mario Gatt. We are part of the UNITAS theatrical company, staging productions in this beloved venue. I must say that the theatre is in need of refurbishment, and without adequate support, we risk losing this important cultural space! I hope that with this article I can raise awareness about this.  We welcome any form of assistance, whether financial contributions or hands-on support from those willing to offer their time and skills in the refurbishment process.

In my professional life, I serve as the IT Manager at AX Group, and while IT is my career, theatre offers a different kind of fulfillment, one that allows me to explore creativity and collaboration. These two worlds complement each other, bringing a sense of balance to my life.

My technical theatre skills have grown through various productions under directors like Mr. Patrick Vella, with shows such as “In Search of Rudolph,” “l-Elett,” “Tlieta Fuq il-Bank” and the more recent award-winning production “Pandemonju.”

I’ve also worked on productions like “Bank il-Għażż” and “Il-Kamra tal-Purtiera l-Vjola,” directed by Mr. Stefan Galea Debono.

My passion for theatre provides a creative outlet that enriches both my personal and professional life. I encourage you all to attend our upcoming theatre production; “Il-Ġisem li Nħobb” happening on the 15th, 16th and 17th November at Mikiel Anton Vassalli College, Malta School of Drama and Dance, Triq Mountbatten, Pietà. Buy the tickets from https://www.showshappening.com/ilgisemlinhobb/IlGisem-li-Nhobb. Hope to see you there!