Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1153841
THIS WEEK THEATRE maltatoday | SUNDAY • 11 AUGUST 2019 6 First of all, could you tell us a little bit about the show and what we can expect from it? Martina Cuschieri: The show is a musical theatre con- cert where we will be sharing a variety of songs from shows such as Company, Waitress, Showboat and many more. On top of the usual concert format, we will be sharing stories and scenarios from our audition experience and our friendship. How would you say 'Side by Side' reflects and builds on your previous work? MC: 'Side by Side' is an in- teresting step for us, it builds on our previous work be- cause a lot of the content is material that we have been working on in preparation for our auditions for drama schools. In addition to this, we've both been involved in a number of musical theatre productions on the island. Yandrick Agius: That be- ing said, it is different as it is about the two of us as in- dividuals, as opposed to the usual characters that we put on for performances. It is a lot more personal and inti- mate than the usual format, however we're very excited to be sharing this perfor- mance with the public. The show will also be your farewell performance as you head off to the UK for drama school. What led you to opt for this path, and what are some of your most pertinent hopes and anxieties ahead of the trip? YA: I think that in order to pursue any path, you need a lot of perseverance, passion and determination. We both decided to pursue this pro- fession because we are very passionate about theatre and it has been on our minds for many years. I personally de- cided to make this leap be- cause I knew that I wanted to be a professional performer and due to the fact that we do not have full-time vocational training programmes for mu- sical theatre and acting on the island. I'm quite excited for what lies ahead and I'm really looking forward to be doing what I love on a daily basis. MC: I've been dreaming of doing this for some time now – finally auditioning for schools and managing to get a place is a personal achieve- ment. I'm hoping to gain as much experience as possible and to be learning alongside like-minded people. I'm also quite excited and nervous to be leaving the island and liv- ing on my own. Do you think Malta is experiencing something of a 'brain drain' when it comes to young performing artists departing the island? What is the upshot of this, in your view? Side by side for a swansong TEODOR RELJIC speaks to Martina Cuschieri and Yandrick Agius about Side by Side, an evening of musical theatre in which the young performers will recount their experiences of auditioning abroad, ahead of a move away from Malta to pursue career opportunities I decided to make this leap because we do not have full-time vocational training programmes for musical theatre and acting on the island – Yandrick Agius