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maltatoday | SUNDAY • 25 SEPTEMBER 2022 7 FILM Exclusive Malta-set adaptation of German classic Spring Awakening to be performed in November The play, originally set in 19th century rural Germany, will be adapted to ref lect Malta in 2022 by Brad Birch, and be directed by top UK director James Grieve. ADRIAN Buckle (formerly of Unifaun Theatre Productions) is bringing German classic Spring Awakening by Frank Wedekind to Spazju Kreattiv, as part of the Spazju Kreattiv Season, in November 2022. The play is produced by Buckle in collaboration with the Malta Drama Centre and is support- ed by the Malta Arts Fund. The story follows a group of youths as they come of age, discover sex, battle with their studies, and put their friend- ships to the test. The play was originally writ- ten and set in 19th century rural Germany but is being adapted and set in contempo- rary Malta by award-winning playwright Brad Birch. It will be directed by top UK director James Grieve, the for- mer Artistic Director of UK maverick Theatre Company Paines Plough, and who has also directed a number of mu- sicals including Les Misérables and Cabaret in Europe. "I am thrilled to be back in the producer's chair with this Malta-set version of Spring Awakening," says Buckle. "Al- though our version of the sto- ry takes place over 100 years after Wedekind's original, its central themes are timeless, as a group of young people grap- ple with numerous challenges, compounded by an unwanted pregnancy. It is undoubtedly an emotion- al story – yet, despite the se- riousness of the central topic, the play is light in nature, with many comic moments." The ensemble includes Jamie Busuttil Griffin, Alex Ween- ink, Gianluca Mifsud, Rich- ard Siauciulis, Greta Holland, Ann-Marie Buckle, Sophie Staples, Julia Camilleri and Hannah Gatt, with Pia Zammit and Paul Portelli taking on the adult roles. "I am truly energised by the opportunity to collaborate once more with my friend and frequent collaborator Brad Birch, and with prolific direc- tor James Grieve. Not to men- tion the excitement of seeing some of Malta's best up-and- coming young actors going through their paces to bring the play to life," continues Buckle. "Spring Awakening prom- ises to be a powerful and thought-provoking piece of theatre, not least due to its Malta setting, which will I hope – as ever – generate much dis- cussion!" he concludes. Spring Awakening is produced by Adrian Buckle in collabo- ration with the Malta Drama Centre. It is suitable for audi- ences aged 16+. Performances will take place on 4, 5, 6, 11, 12 and 13 November 2022 at Spazju Kreattiv, Valletta. Vis- it https://www.kreattivita. org/en/event/spring-awaken- ing/2022-11-04/ to book tickets and for further information. This project is supported by the Malta Arts Fund.