A controversial play about St Paul is the next production by Unifaun theatre, a company which has made a name for itself by bringing us cutting-edge theatre. Josanne Cassar speaks to producer Adrian Buckle and Maria buckle who will play Mary Magdalene

Paul, written by controversial playwright Howard Brenton, was shortlisted for Best Play at last year’s Laurence Olivier awards, and was considered one of the front-runners.

“This play has never been performed outside London, and it’s also the first time one of Howard Brenton’s plays is being produced in Malta,” explains Adrian Buckle. “It was difficult to get permission, but we were lucky because Howard’s representative is the same as that of Mark Ravenhill (who wrote Some Explicit Polaroids), so it was easier for them to gives us a licence.”

This is the story of St Paul on the road to Damascus – considered one of the greatest conversions in history – when Saul became Paul. In this play, the conversion is considered a trick because it was actually Jesus appearing to him. Jesus did not die on the cross but was rescued and sheltered by his brother James, by Peter and by Peter’s wife, Mary Magdalene. But they prefer to keep Paul in the dark because, although he is mistakenly preaching that Christ rose again, at least it keeps him busy and gets the Christian message out there. Now imprisoned by Nero, Peter finally tells Paul the truth before they go to their deaths as the first Christian Martyrs.

With Manuel Cauchi in the title role, the play explores Paul’s relationship with the first Christians, preaching to the gentiles and his subsequent arrest.

Describing it as “more controversial than the Da Vinci code,” Adrian also points out that this version is probably closer to the truth. The play has been given an “18” rating “with reservations” by the censorship board.

“This play will touch the hearts of the Maltese because it’s about our patron saint. However, I would like to stress that this is a very serious study on Christianity. It is based on values, even if you don’t accept Christ as God. It’s a play about the strength of faith and what it can do.”

Playing Mary Magdalene will be Adrian’s sister Maria Buckle, who had her last major role in The Good Doctor.

Most people will remember her from L-Isfida, where she first gained public recognition with her inimitable acting style and sense of comic timing. Since then she has also appeared in two Pantos.

“L-Sfida helped me a lot; it gave me confidence,” she tells me. “Of course, I still have a lot to learn, but the fact that we had to learn a lot of things in one week and perform in front of a lot of people, helped me to perform under pressure.”

Also appearing in Paul are Paul Portelli, Kevin Drake, Victor Debono, Stefan Cachia Debono, Mariano Said, Christian Micallef and Mario Spiteri (“Snits”) in various roles (Roger Mulvaney has since dropped out of the production).

Adrian adds that the main parts demanded certain strong actors, hence the impressive line-up.

“There are very few actors who could do it. I’m selective as to whom I approach – when I read it about a year ago I started casting together with director Chris Gatt. I started early, and people accepted right away because it is such a good script, and luckily they were available. Having a cast with five household names who are strong performers helps a lot. The young actors are also very talented.

“This play depends on dialogue; it is very character-driven. It goes back and forth in time, so first you have Paul at 70 years old, then at 20 and then back to 70 again.”

When asked what it is like to work with her brother, Maria laughs. “It’s easier to shout at each other. If something is bugging us we are more likely to speak up. At my first rehearsal, I was in a scene with Manuel Cauchi. I was so overwhelmed, that I was almost in tears. I’m just 22 years old and he used to be my teacher. Then on top of that, having Chris Gatt as a director! However, when you’re starting out, it’s best to work with good actors like this; I am determined to be a sponge and just absorb whatever they throw at me.”

With original music composed by Alex Vella Gregory, Paul is being performed between 16-18 February and 23-25 February at St James Cavalier at 8pm. Tickets are available at Lm5 for the first night, and Lm6.50 for subsequent nights.

The intimate venue for such an intense play could not be more apt. “I believe St James Cavalier is putting on the best productions each year, giving local audiences plays which are very relevant,” says Adrian in conclusion.