Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1516608
NEWS 14 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 28 FEBRUARY 2024 THE Devil's Passion, by award-winning playwright and actor Justin Butcher, tells the greatest story of all, the Passion of Christ told from Satan's perspec- tive. It offers a radically fresh per- spective on the timeless narrative, an audacious hell's-eye view, by turns comic, gripping, poetic and heart-stirring. Exploring themes of good and evil, religious extrem- ism, freedom, rebellion, life, death, and much more, The Devil's Pas- sion is both timeless and strikingly modern, an original and riveting production shining a new light on the Easter story. Framed satirically against a contemporary 'War on Terror' backdrop, this 90-minute one- man show tears open key issues of our time: the Annunciation is depicted as the 'radicalisation' of a 15-year old schoolgirl, through whom 'the Enemy enters in'; Sa- tan's battle is waged in defence of the 'gates' of 'our civilisation' against the 'enemies of freedom'; through an Occupied Palestine bristling with checkpoints, walls, razor-wire fences and watchtow- ers, Jesus heads to Jerusalem on a 'suicide mission'. Finally discern- ing Jesus' plan - to die, to assault the gates of hell itself - Satan en- lists the audience to join him in averting disaster. He must do all he can to keep Jesus alive or risk being destroyed. Part espionage thriller, part satire, part poetic meditation - Homeland meets Mistero Buffo meets Dante's Inferno - set in a 'Holy Land' characterised by harsh divisions, barriers, walls, al- ienation - between hated Roman occupier and indigenous peo- ples, between Jew and Samaritan, clean and unclean, slave and free, 'righteous' and 'sinner', everyone imprisoned tidily in their boxes - a state of affairs which the diabolical narrator finds entirely satisfacto- ry. Until, right from the heart of this suffocating, intractable sce- nario, the Passion story erupts. A radical, transgressive story of love transcending fear and hatred, of non-violence in the face of op- pression, hope breaking down barriers, the victory of vulnerabil- ity. Justin Butcher writes, "Some- times the timing of things can feel weird, even fated. A few years ago, I attempted to write a play draw- ing together my fascination with the Passion story with my involve- ment for many years in the Pales- tinian people's struggle for free- dom, justice and equality in the Holy Land. Another important influence was the work of the ex- traordinary Italian theatre maes- tro Dario Fo, satirist, playwright, actor, clown, commedia genius, who's been a lifelong inspiration in my work, in particular his com- ic, subversive reworking of bibli- cal narratives, Mistero Buffo (the Comic Mysteries) - which out- raged the Catholic church when it premiered in 1969 (the year I was born). So these ingredients alche- mised somehow and produced The Devil's Passion – a passion play set in an occupied Palestine, and told by the devil. Given the play's hommage to Dario Fo, I could not be more de- lighted to be bringing the show to Italy, in partnership with J.Pro- ductions, Milan. And against the backdrop of the tragic events unfolding in Israel-Palestine, the play's setting and themes could not be more topical. I offer it humbly, as a story which embrac- es both tragedy and hope." Directed by Olivier Award win- ner Guy Masterson (Morecambe, Twelve Angry Men, The Shark Is Broken), designed by Sean Ca- vanagh (The Miracle Worker, In Praise Of Love, York Mystery Plays 2012) with a haunting and evocative soundscape by Jack C. Arnold (War and Peace, Wild Rose, Holy Flying Circus, The Woman in Black), richly textured video design by Damian Hale & Christian Krupa (The Chemical Brothers, U2, Elton John, Little Britain) and boldly atmospheric lighting by Tom Turner (Itaipu, Bat Out Of Hell, Swan Lake). The Devil's Passion was adapted as a major new drama for BBC R3, starring David Suchet, broadcast in 2017, hailed in The Observer as a 'magnificent performance' in a 'satirical, darkly comic, thorough- ly stimulating production [which] raises many theological and ethi- cal questions' and in The Sunday Telegraph as a 'vivid, comic and lyrical twist on familiar events.' The Devil's Passion: the Passion of Christ told from Satan's perspective … Within the next hour, our operatives will isolate, engage and capture or kill the notorious leader of the most extreme, dangerous and contagious ideolog y to emerge in the modern era, whose terror activities represent the gravest threat to our interests across the region and the wider world. I refer, of course, to the radical preacher and populist demagogue Y'shua Bar Yessuf, the man known - by way of shorthand to our operatives - as 'Jesus' … The play, by award-winning playwright and actor Justin Butcher, is set against a contemporary 'War on Terror' backdrop Justin Butcher THE stage is set for a mesmerising evening of music and literature as the Ghajnsielem Parish Church prepares to host a new muziko-letterarja on 14 March 2024 at 7pm. This captivating event, crafted by Kav. Joe M. Attard and composed by Mro. Anthony Galea, promises to be a celebration of Gozitan talent and cultural heritage. Soprano Frances Catherine Farrugia and baritone Ken Scicluna will grace the event as soloists, adding their re- markable voices to this enchanting mu- sical experience. The Gozo Regional Orchestra, re- nowned for its awe-inspiring perfor- mances, will bring the enchanting mu- sic to life. This symphonic experience will be accompanied by profound lyr- ics delving into the seven sorrows of Our Lady, creating a truly moving and soul-stirring experience for all attend- ees. "We invite you to join us for an evening of enchanting music that will touch your soul," said the orchestra's Artistic Director. "This event promises to be an unforgettable celebration of the rich cultural heritage of Gozo, showcasing the exceptional talents of the region." In the spirit of giving back to the com- munity, donations for Fondazzjoni St. Jeanne Antide will be collected during the performance. The event is made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Għa- jnsielem Local Council, Paul Stellini Design Studio, Country Terrace, Gozo Graphics, and Cefai Formal Wear, whose unwavering support and dedica- tion have been instrumental in bringing this cultural extravaganza to life. Don't miss this opportunity to be part of a truly special celebration of Gozitan artistry and cultural significance. Mark your calendars and join us for an evening that promises to be filled with enchantment and inspiration. An unforgettable muziko-letterarja event at Ghajnsielem parish church