Whether it's a Facebook status or a daring play, Adrian Buckle has never shied away from controversy. Indeed, his portfolio is chock-a-block with plays that pushed the boundaries of Maltese theatre, the most infamous of which would have to be Stitching, a play which, although never actually performed on stage in front of an audience, has gone on to create a national debate about censorship.

Now Adrian's company, Unifaun Theatre Productions, is getting ready to stage what is set to become one of the most controversial plays of the year: Brad Birch's adaption of Henrik Ibsen's En Folkefiende - An Enemy of the People.

This time round, however, it's not through nudity or visuals that the play will divide, but the professional and political relationships it explores... Directed by Toni Attard, An Enemy of the People will bring any audience member in attendance face-to-face with what has been happening in Malta over the past few years following the Panama Papers controversy.

 

What can you tell us about the play?

The play is set in Norway with Dr Tom Stockmann finding an important piece of information that affects the lives and health of the general public. He himself is a government employee and is torn between loyalty for the government (and safeguarding his job) and exposing the truth... He opts for the truth but the powers-that-be go down on him like a tonne of bricks - aided by the media they somewhat control.

How does Brad Birch's adaptation differ from the original? 

Brad's play is shorter, sharper and more to the point. Moreover, the sibling rivalry - yes, the whistle-blower and the mayor are brothers, which could also be quite true in Malta - is taken a step further by giving it a base in the men's childhood. In Birch's version, in fact, it's this relationship that ultimately has the biggest say in whether the story leaks or not... This focus on relationships makes it incredibly valid for Malta, where the theory of the six degrees of separation is actually contracted to two or three degrees at most.

 

Why did you think it was a good time to stage it?

Good theatre should comment and ask questions about the society we live in; and in the

post-Daphne Caruana Galizia assassination era, this is more relevant than ever. Both myself and Toni think that this play is very important to be staged now in Malta because it asks the right questions at the right time.

 

I've always believed that theatre that makes no comment on society is ephemeral and forgotten the instant you walk out of the hall... But not Birch's play! It will have people asking themselves whether they would be a whistle-blower, how they would treat the whistle-blower, and what their duties as citizens are.

 

Moreover, we are working on having a discussion with local journalists after one of the shows, and we have invited the playwright over to Malta for the final performance... This is not just a piece of theatre, after all, but a chance to discuss where we are heading.

 

What can you tell us about Toni's vision for this production?

Toni is an exceptional director, and one who allow actors to develop their character, which is just what this play needs seeing that it's so short yet complicated [eight actors play 17 sequences in just over an hour]. There is an intricate and important backstory to the events taking place in this play so, while it is not explored directly in the play, the director and the actors must keep that in mind.

 

The play undoubtedly has a stellar cast, but what made them stand out for their roles?

Mikhail is a very strong actor who I love to work with: He was the obvious choice for the lead role, in my opinion. Anthony Ellul, meanwhile, is another forceful actor; very powerful and intimidating, which made him perfect for the main antagonist. The two main actors are then supported by a great cast, which includes Victor Debono, Jean-Marc Cafà, Philip Leone Ganado, Antonella Axisa, Simone Spiteri (who is an old face at Unifaun) and the exciting newcomer Raquel Theuma.

 

What can you tell us about the staging, the props and the mise en scène? 

Although this play was written 100 years ago, it still feels very contemporary, which is why everything the audience will see will be quite modern. The set has been designed by the great Romualdo Moretti [who has created dozens of sets for local theatre, as well as for TV, including for Rai 1], while the lighting is being created by Christopher Robin Gatt. The main focus, however, will be on the actors and the story.

 

M Space is renowned for being quite an intimate space. A play about politics in such a space... What was the idea behind it?

The way the play is written and acted out will make the audience feel like they're a fly on the wall, watching all the drama unfold even if they, technically, shouldn't. For that, an intimate space is much more effective. Also, on a personal note, I have always wanted to work there and this gave me the perfect opportunity to do so!

 

What's next for you once An Enemy of the People is over?

In June, we will be staging another play by Brad Birch called GAME, which will be staged at the Ta' Qali Stadium and will focus on Maltese football. It will be a World Premiere and is being produced in conjunction with Teatru Malta - so that's quite exciting. After that, in October, we have an excellent piece of Maltese Theatre called Tebut Isfar, penned by Clare Azzopardi and directed by Marcelle Teuma; the subject here is abuse and over-development. Does that ring any bells?

 

En Folkefiende - An Enemy of the People will run between 9 and 11 March and again between 16 and 18 March at M Space in Msida. For more information or tickets, please visit www.bluebox.com.mt