Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1533342
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 16 MARCH 2025 3 THEATRE Is-siġġijiet: A Maltese adaptation of Ionesco's absurdist masterpiece on the search for meaning and connection EUGÈNE Ionesco's The Chairs (Is-Siġġijiet) is a landmark work of absurdist theatre that explores themes of existentialism, isola- tion, and the breakdown of com- munication. Set in a world that seems to be crumbling, the play follows a couple who spend their time arranging chairs for an un- seen audience, awaiting the arriv- al of an important speaker who is meant to deliver a crucial message to humanity. As the play unfolds, it becomes clear that their world is not what it seems, and their search for meaning may be futile. This upcoming Maltese adapta- tion, translated by Claudine Borg and directed by Lee-N Abela, seeks to capture the play's hu- mour, absurdity, and poignancy in a way that resonates with con- temporary audiences. Featuring Antonella Axisa and Mikhail Basmajdian in the lead roles, with Arthur Dumas, Is-Siġġijiet invites audiences to reflect on the nature of existence, the way we commu- nicate, and the strange, often sur- real experience of being human. Claudine Borg, who is translat- ing Ionesco's play directly from French, is keenly aware of the challenges of adapting such a complex and surreal work for a contemporary Maltese audience. "I'm currently working on the first draft of the translation, and it's been both an exciting and challenging process," she explains. "Since this translation is intended for the stage, not just the page, one of my main considerations is how the Maltese version will sound when spoken aloud. I'm con- stantly listening to the text in my head and trying to visualise how it might play out on stage." One of the biggest challenges, Borg notes, is ensuring that the humour, often dark and deep- ly rooted in the absurdity of the tragic situation, resonates with the local audience. "Ionesco's work frequently relies on wordplay and the fragmentation of dialogue, so it's crucial to adapt these elements in a way that feels natural in Mal- tese while preserving the original intent." She emphasises the play's themes of solitude, isolation, and the breakdown of communica- tion, which remain just as power- ful today. "The Man and Woman are completely detached from the outside world, and their lives seem to lack meaning. Capturing their isolation and their inability to con- nect with the world is essential." Director Lee-N Abela is fasci- nated by the challenge of making this script resonate with today's audience. Originally written in the 1950s, the play reflects a post-war existential crisis, grappling with questions of purpose and brutali- ty. But, as Lee-N points out, these questions remain just as relevant, if not more so, in our modern world. "With the rise of social media, we're confronting these existen- tial issues in real time, with an immediacy that wasn't possible before," she says. "Given the play's roots in absurdism, it's the per- fect medium to experiment with these ideas. Absurdism allows us to defy meaning, to turn things on their head, and to question the ab- surdity of life without necessarily searching for a deeper purpose." Lee-N's vision for Is-Siġġijiet goes beyond the traditional inter- pretation of an isolated man and woman. "The communication breakdown, the endless circling around the same issues, and the stagnation that can seep into rela- tionships over time, these are uni- versal themes that transcend age, gender, and even specific identi- ties. They reflect the broader hu- man struggle to understand and be understood." For both Borg and Abela, one of the most exciting aspects of this production is the collaborative process. "I'm particularly excited to see the translation come to life on stage," says Borg. "I'm approach- ing this process with an open mind, ready to adapt and refine the Maltese script based on the in- sights and discoveries that emerge during rehearsals." Lee-N shares a similar senti- ment, expressing his anticipation for the unpredictable nature of the creative journey. "Whenever I ap- proach a play, I begin with a clear vision, but I've learned that much of that initial vision often evolves or even gets left behind. The jour- ney of creating theatre is as much about change and adaptation as it is about sticking to a plan. I want this process to be full of surprises, to let our collective ideas collide and merge into something unex- pected and extraordinary." At its core, Is-Siġġijiet explores themes of existentialism, expres- sion, and the search for meaning. Both Borg and Lee-N hope these themes will strike a chord with modern audiences, sparking con- versations about the human con- dition. "In many ways, the questions the play raises, about finding meaning in an absurd world and the diffi- culties of genuine communica- tion, are timeless," says Borg. "For modern audiences, especially in our fast-paced, digital world, these themes might resonate even more deeply. Despite being more con- nected than ever, we often strug- gle with isolation and miscommu- nication." Abela echoes this idea, empha- sising the play's ability to make us laugh while also making us think. "By inviting the audience to step back and view human lives from a different perspective, I hope to spark light-hearted yet meaning- ful conversations. The absurdity of Is-Siġġijiet allows us to confront deep, existential themes in a way that is both thought-provoking and accessible." As the production of Is-Siġġi- jiet moves forward, audiences can expect a thought-provoking, humorous, and deeply moving exploration of the human condi- tion. With its blend of absurdity and profound meaning, Ionesco's masterpiece continues to remind us of life's contradictions, its sim- plicity and complexity, its humour and tragedy, its chaos and beauty. This adaptation, building Spazju Keattiv's mission to bring time- less classics to the Maltese stage, promises to be an unforgettable theatrical experience, one that will challenge and inspire audiences in new and unexpected ways. Is-Siġġijiet is a theatrical pro- duction commissioned by Spazju Kreattiv, and supported by the French Embassy in Malta, run- ning from Friday, 11th April until Sunday, 20th April 2025. English surtitles will be available for per- formances on Sunday, 13th April, and Friday, 18th April 2025. For more information visit www.kreattivita.org Photography by Elisa von Brockdorff