Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1491702
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 5 FEBRUARY 2023 6 ALMANAC My essentials KEITH BARBARA 28, actor/director and ethics teacher I am always intrigued by stories, particularly stories that carry an element which I would have never thought of or felt. I would then link them to other stories I would have learned of or experienced, and... oh how unlucky would that person be who has to listen to me rant about my new discovery! Hence my huge love for theatre, art, films, books, music and philosophy. 1 4 5 1. Book 2. Film 3. Internet 4. Music 5. Place EVERY Thursday, I make a morning appointment with a comedy trio called 'Foil, Arms and Hog.' They are an Irish troupe which produc- es comedic sketches, apart from conducting their own tours around the world. They provide a quirky insight into today's agendas, instigating a fresh perspective to how we look at them. For instance: energy companies at a party, political ideologies choosing a pizza, and the inability to understand the acting pro- fession. A bit of comical cyn- icism and quirkiness makes tea redundant in the morn- ing! THESE two remain close to my heart: Evanescence and The Amazing Devil. They both write emotionally-raw, truthful and perceptive poetry, accom- panied by music and singing which takes you on a jour- ney with them. Evanescence's darkness emulated in their first albums is reconciled with the recent realisation of how one should live freely, love them- selves and give love to those who deserve it. The Amazing Devil take different roles: an old couple, a young couple, a parent, a child, a downtrodden, and others, and each song tells a story through their eyes. The beauty that these two radiate is unparalleled. ICELAND has always fasci- nated me, yet never visited. Its remoteness, beauty and air of mystical mystery enchant me greatly. I have attempted to learn the language once, but never pursued it further. Hav- ing trekked on some moun- tains and being fond of a win- try weather, Iceland taunts me, especially since it carries such elements where I feel myself. However, I would also revisit Vienna and London, for their culture is unique and gives one an opportunity to express themselves freely and enjoy the gift of being yourself. I have read an extraordinary trilogy under the name of 'His Dark Materials' by Phil- ip Pullman. It elegantly com- bines philosophy, science, and theology, which leaves you wondering if certain concepts are true. The story reminds us of our freedom and ne- cessity to grow in knowledge and wisdom. It delves into the importance of recognis- ing manipulation and chal- lenging the limits that are set upon us. They are regarded as children's books, which is brilliant; what's better than teaching children how to de- feat ignorance and blind faith? A wonderful favourite which I have rewatched recently is 'The Little Prince', based on the book 'Le Petit Prince' by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. It reminds us of the importance of being a child. A child is keen-eyed, curious, imagina- tive: in essence, always seeking the truth. When we become adults, we forget our beauty, we accept lies, we accept being pawns in other people's games, we conform to systems; we forget who we truly are. This film (and book) reminds us: "It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essen- tial is invisible to the eyes." 3 2