About Us
Zararti Malta Cultural Association is a registered voluntary non-profit organisation (Registration No: VO/1263) with offices located at San Ġwann, Malta.
The association’s primary mission is to promote Artistic Social Activites — particularly the tradition of Commedia dell'Arte — among Maltese children, youth, and the wider public, as well as the elderly and persons with special needs.
Core Objectives & Activities
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Performing Arts: Organises educational performances, original plays and lectures.
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Audiovisual Productions: Produces television programs, fiction, documentaries, docudramas and films, particularly shorts.
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Cultural Outreach: Hosts workshops, interactive demonstrations, and exhibits to foster cultural engagement across local communities.
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Publishing: Produces books, especially plays in Maltese and English, and academic texts on artistic and cultural topics.
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Historical Preservation: Works to revive and contextualize the legacy of Commedia dell'Arte in the Maltese Islands.
Community Work
ZARARTI strives to bring theatre to communities that normally struggle to gain access to cultural entertainment. These include the residents of homes for the elderly and patients of geriatric hospitals, the visually impaired, and others. Over the years, ZARARTI has staged numerous productions for such audiences, some of which were specifically written for or performed by the participants themselves.
PRESIDENT/FOUNDER
Dr. Narcy Calamatta KM
For 60 years Narcy has been an actor, writer, set designer, producer for theatre, television and film. A drama teacher and lecturer on theatre at tertiary level, he has published various academic books on theatrology and is a newspaper reviewer of the arts. In Malta, he is the initiator of Commedia dell'Arte and theatre for the elderly and persons with special needs. He serves as the secretary for a voluntary organisation of The Knights of Malta - KMFAP.He is also the founder of the cultural organisation ZARARTI.
Our Team
COMMUNICATIONS & DESIGN
Michael Piscopo
Michael is a prolific and versatile writer and an experienced creative in design and marketing. His written works include stage plays, screenplays and television scripts, poetry, songs, and books. His visual artwork include set design and book illustrations. Michael is the co-creator of the popular children's character Fonzu l-Fenek (Fonzu The Rabbit) which is currently being developed into an animated cartoon series for young audiences.
Guided by a shared vision of artistic excellence and community engagement, our leadership team brings together expertise in creative production and non-profit administration.
Marvic is an actress and drama educator. She has taken part in many performances both locally and abroad. She also starred in various TV Serials, Radio programmes and International Films. Her main works include 'Marat Sade', 'La Lupa', 'Fuente Ovejuna'. She formed part of Lyceum Youth Theatre, Ateatru , Politeatru, Talenti, Maleth and other theatre companies. Marvic is still very active in the theatre scene and presently works for Teatru Malta.
SECRETARY
Marvic Doughty
Frederick is a Maltese composer, writer, actor and director known for songs, musicals and television work. His musicals include Ġesu’ Ta’ Nazaret, Scrooge, Il-Ħotbi ta’ Notre Dame and Is-Siegħa tal-Bdiewa. He composed TV themes and wrote series, plays and comedies. On screen, he is remembered as Dun Indri in Wenzu u Rożi and Johnny Bolt in L-Avukat Gawdenz Bilocca. He directed for stage and television and authored a book titled '397'.
LOGISTICS & SUPPORT
Tony Parnis
Tony is a filmmaker, television producer, director and festival organiser with experience in news, drama and documentaries. After studying film in Canada and producing Maltese programmes in Toronto, he joined Xandir Malta in 1984. He later headed Drama at PBS, directing TV serials and documentaries. His feature film credits include ‘Operation White Dove’, ‘Bawxati The Movie’ and ‘Pawlu ta’ Tarsu’. He is Festival Director/Producer of the Malta International TV Short Film Festival.
TREASURER