Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1546635
3 THEATRE maltatoday | SUNDAY • 20 SEPTEMBER 2026 men playing The Maids Malcolm Galea plays Madame, while Anton Saliba is Claire. For Galea, the all-male compa- ny offers a different perspective to other productions cast with women. "In a play obsessed with role-playing, having men play women who are constantly play- ing other people adds an extra layer to this story of people re- hearsing an identity they do not possess," he says. "It draws at- tention to how gender, class and authority are expressed through voice, posture, clothing and be- haviour. The audience is never allowed to forget that it is watch- ing an act of theatre inside anoth- er act of theatre." There is laughter, too. "There is something both frightening and absurd about people trying to stage an act of rebellion and repeatedly failing," Galea says. "Madame can be wonderfully excessive and astonishingly un- aware of the effect she has on everyone around her. But the comedy is counterbalanced with a heavy air of menace. The same game that causes amusement is also exposing humiliation, re- sentment and a desperate hunger for power." Martin Crimp's version, first performed at London's Young Vic in 1999, has become a mod- ern standard. "Crimp's transla- tion feels poetic," Galea says. "He has played with the very essence of the play, to the point where you're never really sure where performance ends and reality be- gins." For Saliba, based in London, the script of The Maids was rea- son enough to come home. "It's so rich, dense and complex. As an actor, it's a joy to have such a treasure trove at your disposal," he says. "Then there's Scott's vi- sion for the piece, which adds a fresh approach." Le Crass, whose credits include the Offie-winning revival of Rose starring Maureen Lipman, has brought new acting tools into the rehearsal room. "The process has been organic and specific," Sali- ba explains. "Scott introduced us to a perspectives technique that places the focus outside of our- selves and helps us to be more grounded and present." As for the audience, De Bono promises a puzzle. "We are watching characters play a thea- tre game, as in an escape room – one they choose, or need, to play to fulfil their own desires. We see them break out of and disrupt it, only for someone to start playing again." Saliba is happy to leave the ver- dict open. "There are so many themes within the play that audi- ences may relate to," he says. "If the piece triggers a conversation or dialogue of any sort that would be hugely satisfying." Adrian Buckle and Victor De Bono's production of The Maids by Jean Genet performs at The- atre Next Door, Magħtab, on 2, 3, 9 and 10 October at 8pm and on 4, 11 October at 7pm. The production is supported by Arts Council Malta, Malta Gay Rights Movement (MGRM), LG- BTI+ Gozo, Aġenzija Żgħażagħ and the French Embassy in Malta. This production is suit- able for audiences aged 16 and over. Tickets available at www. adrianbuckle.com. "We are watching characters play a theatre game, as in an escape room – one they choose, or need, to play to fulfil their own desires." Photos: Darrin Zammit Lupi