Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1206972
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 2 FEBRUARY 2020 8 CULTURE THEATRE What was it about this particu- lar script that lured you into the director's seat? I love Alfred's work. Alfred doesn't beat around the bush, his words hit you hard and the themes he explores tend to be about matters that we don't nec- essarily (as a society or as indi- viduals) want to go there. How- ever, Alfred goes right there and delves deep into that subject, making us see it from different viewpoints and angles that we may have pondered about or never stopped to think about at all. I was also attracted by the idea that I am dealing with a script comprised of two intricate fe- male characters written from a male's perspective. The text can be very interesting when it's peppered with outlooks of oppo- site genders. I find more depth exploring what is written on the page, the intentions that Alfred had when he was writing it and the way a woman would express it. For me, it's like being in a playground full of psychological intricacies to play with. You were cast in Alfred Butti- gieg's last production before this: Mela Hawn xi Manikomju?! how does it feel to now be di- recting his latest play? Before Mela Hawn Xi Mani- komju!?, my very first experience with Alfred's work was Ir-Rew- wixta tal-Qassisin, where I was cast for the outspoken Cetta l-Koka. It was a great historical play about the Maltese clergy's uprising against the oppressors who had reigned over them. In Mela Hawn Xi Manikomju?!, I was cast as the no-holds-barred Lena. It was a tender play that dealt with the golden years. Today, I feel honoured to be directing Alfred's L-Interrogazz- joni. This play parallels with today's current affairs and their who- dunnits. Alfred dives into great depth and detail, which I find very stimulating. After reading Alfred's script I could see the bigger picture: the challenge then lies in breaking down the text and explore the right inten- tions behind Alfred's writing. With a strong piece of work like Alfred's, it's a rewarding journey. Also, I am working with a great team. The sky is not the limit and with Teatru Malta it's easy to go above and beyond, as they work hard to make this produc- tion a top-notch, holistic experi- ence. Andrew Borg Wirth is tak- ing ideas to the next level with dressing up the living room, the actors and maintaining the feel of a real home whilst giving it the perfect touch for the play! What's it like getting to work with Angele Galea and Clare Agius? How would you describe the chemistry in the rehearsal room? Clare and Angele, kick ass! It's a pleasure to be working with the likes of great talent, raw en- ergy, open-mindedness and un- wavering attitude to explore new grounds. In the rehearsal room, we go to the unthinkable. The unknown is a great place to go to when you are working intensely in a rehearsal room. I love giving the actors the tools to play with and see them take the ideas to the next level. It's easier to do that when you work with actors like Clare and An- gele whose creativity is second Director Lee-N Abela talks about Alfred Buttigieg's latest play L-Interrogazzjoni, the first play for Buttigieg in the past four years and a comeback to theatre for actress Clare Agius. The stellar cast includes actress Angele Galea. The stakes are high but Abela is up for the challenge, as she tells MaltaToday more about the show, the rehearsal room, and what audiences can expect from the first ever production to be staged in a living room locally 'The audience is in for a unique, "Clare and Angele, kick ass! It's a pleasure to be working with the likes of great talent, raw, open- mindedness and unwavering attitude to explore new groups"