‘It-Tifla li waqghet go ktieb’

Imagine how exciting it would be if you suddenly fell into a book and found yourself face to face with your hero! That’s exactly what happens to Marica in It-Tifla li Waqghet go Ktieb (The Girl Who Fell into a Book), a play which was cleverly adapted to Maltese by Trevor Zahra. But meeting your hero, as Marica finds out to her dismay, also brings about danger. Blatsamm’s deadly enemy, Monique, is determined to grab hold of him and Marica! And so, Blatsamm and his new friend set off on a journey in search of Marica’s bedroom.

The play is being presented by a group of fourth-year student teachers in their final year of study. They are taking care of every aspect of the play, be it acting, costumes, make-up, scenes and so on. This with the valuable help of Dr Isabelle Gatt as producer, Marcelle Teuma as director, Sigo for music and Chris Gatt on lights.

We talked to Darren and Rosianne who are interpreting Blatsamm and Marica and here are their comments.

Rosianne, how does it feel to play the sweet character of young Marica?

It’s good because playing this role reminds me of my childhood years. However, at times it is difficult to convey certain messages and expressions, especially when I remind myself that my character will be judged by children

themselves!

Mention one thing you like and one thing you dislike about being Marica.

I like being Marica when she is excited and playful. She’s the one who constantly reminds Blatsamm about their current situation.

On the other hand, I don’t like Marica when she first meets Blatsamm since I am finding it difficult and feel intimated by him!

Darren, do you like interpreting the part of the hero Blatsamm?

Blatsamm is a macho. He is feared and respected by everyone in the world of books. He is a great character and therefore I absolutely love it!

Is it hard to take up the role and learn all the lines?

Darren: Blatsamm is constantly boasting about how strong he is. Every chance is good to show off, most of the time with the opposite result. I must admit that learning all the lines and eventually acting them out is a challenge especially since there are a lot of numbers to be learned,

but I have one thing in common with Blatsamm: perseverance.

What is the message you want to convey through this play?

We want to show children how exciting reading is if you just sprinkle on it a tiny pinch of magic. We want children to understand that books are the gold key that unlocks a world of fantasy and excitement, a world which is far more fun than reality.

Who should come to watch the play?

The obvious answer would be children since the play is a colourful adventure through the world of children’s literature. Yet we believe that adults can find it appealing as well. It is a one-in-a-million opportunity to jump onto a time machine and travel back to our childhood memories, when we were fascinated by characters like scary Mr Wolf or sweet Little Red Riding Hood.

The play will be performed at St James Cavalier on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 March. For more information, send a blank email to [email protected]. Tickets from St James Cavalier Valletta (tel.: 2122-3200 or email: [email protected])

Christine Said

PR team