Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1031063
5 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 23 SEPTEMBER 2018 THIS WEEK MUSIC of the Danish filmmaker's visual shock-tactics and hollow, attention- grabbing nihilism. For all the rugged trauma splayed out for all of us to see, Nielson's dra- ma invites compassion for the dam- aged human beings we're forced to spend time with, and while a cruel brain-imp led me to think "these people should never have kids", the chronological shuffle-mode the play operates under does a fine job of pull- ing the rug from under that impres- sion, too. No strangers to performing along- side each other, Basmadjian and Zammit navigated across an impres- sive emotional spectrum on stage last Wednesday, with an effortlessness that only comes with the immersion expected of true professionals. What was most surprising about the play was just how genuinely fun- ny it is in parts – and these aren't just the gimmicky 'calm before the storm' moments before the horror can begin in earnest. Doing good on Neilson's ambition to depict a relationship in all of its complexity, the moments of teasing, self-deprecation and frus- tration (at the partner's stubborn complacency, at their insensitivity, at their appetite for self-destruction) are as much a part of play as the chill- ing moments of screamed-out ba- roque obscenities and revelations of unsavoury sexual urges. Unifaun Theatre have assured their place in Maltese theatrical history by being consistent in their mission to stage independent-minded produc- tions which can sometimes veer to- wards the self-consciously 'shocking' – Buckle's self-penned productions tend to be a mixed bag of 'in-yer-face' theatre pastiches that end up feel- ing more like exercises in postmod- ern Grand Guignol than legitimately searing and cathartic theatrical ex- periences – but which nonetheless work for the greater good of the Mal- tese theatrical scene. Now that Stitching has finally made it to the stage, what we saw is not the vengeful display of a Satanic return- of-the-repressed unleashed to rattle us out of shape. It's a small play about unremarkable people being thrust in- to a remarkable situation -- Stephen King's basic criterion for a genre hor- ror story, incidentally -- peppered with the hints of unsavoury sexual fetishes, some strong languages and a dildo being used a (non-fatal) spar- ring weapon. Injected as it is with heartfelt and thoroughly considered performances and sensitive, unintrusive direction, however, this is more than enough for notable night at the theatre. There will be a final performance of Stitching tonight at the Teatru Ma- noel Studio Theatre, at 9pm. Why is this 10-year milestone important to you, and what do you hope to communicate with your loyal audience through it? It's a massive accomplishment for me to have performed and organised my annual concerts for the past 10 years. I look back to when I started in the in- timate setting of St James Music room and would never have imagined to be performing at St George Square with the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra and Ira Losco as my special guest 10 years later. There is so much work and prep- aration to organise such an event but it is always so rewarding and such a hum- ble moment for me. I have worked on a very special programme with a reper- toire that ranges from the classical era to current pop chart tunes which will definitely please everyone attending. Ahead of this concert, you've also collaborated with Ira Losco for a cover of the beloved Maltese song 'Xemx'. What led you to this idea, and was it like to collaborate with Ira? Xemx was one of my Mum's favour- ite songs and so I felt it was very apt to dedicate this song to her. Ira is a true professional and one of the most hum- ble artists I have ever had the honour to work with and so it was a beautiful journey collaborating and recording the single. We are also super excited to be performing Xemx for the first time during my upcoming concert. All pro- ceeds from Xemx will go to the Mar- cy Foundation, which I have recently launched. Could you speak a bit about the Marcy Foundation, and the work that it engages in? The Foundation was founded in memory of my late mother, Marcel- line, known by everyone as Marcy. My mother never judged anyone, instead she went out of her way to help any- one who needed help. For this reason, I have decided to carry on her way of being by setting up a foundation that creates awareness about subjects that are stigmatised. The Marcy Foundation will focus on five main pillars, which are: Domestic Violence, Mental Health, Child Abuse, Drug Abuse and HIV. My family and people very close to me have had expe- riences in all these areas and therefore these causes are very much at heart. All these subjects are considered taboo and not freely spoken about – on the other hand, my mum would sit down and sip her coffee and talk about anything with anyone with no shame or judgement. Who was she to judge? Who is any- one to judge? We all have our baggage to carry, and those with the heavier baggage should feel comfortable to speak openly about their problems in order to seek comfort and help which they deserve. The Foundation is created on the values of honesty, kindness and open- mindedness, as after all, that was my mum – an honest, kind and open- minded person. We are aware that there are many campaigns, foundations, organisa- tions, which are already working hard at helping these victims and raising awareness in relation to these issues. The Marcy Foundation is not a com- petitor with these agencies – it aims to create awareness not by offering servic- es which are already well provided for by other service providers, but it aims to spread the message, to spread the in- formation in order to raise awareness about these issues and make it "okay not to be okay". Only when a multitude of persons speak up will society realise that every- one is affected in some way or another by these issues and therefore will be less concerned with judging others and rather focus on how we can prevent or at least lessen the instances of these events happening. Cliff Zammit Stevens will be performing his 10-year anniversary concert at St George Square, Valletta on October 3 at 21:00. Ira Losco will be accompanying him as a special guest. Tickets: https:// www.showshappening.com/ Celebrating a decade of music Ahead of his 10-year anniversary concert at St George's Square, Valletta, tenor Cliff Zammit Stevens speaks to TEODOR RELJIC about what this milestone means to him, and the personal spur that pushes him forward Basmadjian and Zammit navigated across an impressive emotional spectrum... with an effortlessness that only comes with the immersion expected of true professionals