Ebejer, Francis << ehb EYE ur, FRAN sihs >> (1925-1993), was a Maltese novelist, playwright, and poet. Ebejer wrote in both English and Maltese. Much of his fiction deals with social problems of Malta and the country’s history. His activities as a playwright, theater producer, and director earned him the title of the Father of Maltese Theater.
Ebejer’s first two novels were A Wreath of Innocents (1958) and Evil of the King Cockroach (1960). These novels deal with the struggle of Maltese women in the 1950’s and 1960’s trying to free themselves from the social, religious, and political restrictions that afflicted women of the period. Ebejer’s other novels include In the Eye of the Sun (1969), Come Again in Spring (1973), Requiem for a Malta Fascist (1980), and Leap of Malta Dolphins (1982).
Ebejer’s best-known play is probably Hefen Plus Zero. It was first produced as a radio play in 1974 and received its stage premiere in 1980. In this science-fiction drama with futuristic settings, the playwright explores philosophic themes. Ebejer was a member of the Manoel Theatre, the national theater of Malta. He also produced and directed both amateur and professional shows in Malta.
Francis Ebejer was born on Aug. 28, 1925, in Dingli, Malta. He began his literary career writing radio and television plays and short stories. He died on June 6, 1993.
