In 2010, a group of friends burst into Malta's theatre scene - and they never left.
With their critically acclaimed production of Art, WhatsTheirNames Theatre introduced relative newcomers Nathan Brimmer, Philip Leone-Ganado and Joseph Zammit. In the 12 years since, the three friends have become some of Malta's best-known performers, while WhatsTheirNames has grown alongside through the endlessly popular Shakespeare at the Pub and Shakespeare in the Garden series, reimagining the Bard for a new generation of theatregoers.
WhatsTheirNames is now set to return to its roots with a new production of the play that started it all, Art by Yasmina Reza, with the same cast and the same director, Malcolm Galea.
In the hilarious international hit comedy we meet Serge, who has paid a huge amount of money for a contemporary painting - a completely white canvas. Yet, his friends are not as excited about his new artwork as he is. Marc hates the painting and cannot believe that any friend of his could possibly want it, while Yvan attempts, unsuccessfully, to please both sides. As cracks form in their 15-year friendship, the three must ask: Are you who you think you are or are you who your friends think you are?
"When I first directed this cast in 2010, the cast were still in their early 20s and we joked about doing it again in ten years' time when they'd be closer to the age that they're supposed to be. It was never set in stone, but I'm glad that we're getting to do it," says Galea. "Fast forward 12 years and our approach is markedly different. We're all older and more experienced - Joseph himself typically averages a career's worth of roles in a single season. Rehearsals have been great fun, the cast takes direction like a charm, and we've been able to approach the text more profoundly."
The cast's experience is not the only difference: presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd on behalf of Samuel French Ltd and supported by Arts Council Malta, the 2022 production also looks visually stunning. "This time, we also have a big-boy budget and could afford a beautiful set by Romualdo Moretti. In 2010 we could barely pull off a sofa and some curtains!" Galea laughs.
Indeed, laughter is as much at the heart of Art as it has been throughout WhatsTheirNames rehearsal process - albeit one that has already seen the production postponed once and Galea directing via video call due to quarantine. Reza's sparkling dialogue made the hysterically funny, Tony Award-winning comedy a hit following its 1994 premiere in France and subsequent London and Broadway runs.
"Art is one of those modern classic plays that you simply have to see at least once in your lifetime. It's such an insightful observation into male relationships from a woman's perspective and still as bitingly relevant as it ever was," Galea continues about the endlessly relatable piece. "Art is my type of humour: often witty and sharp, with occasional moments when it's downright brutal. It's funny, profound, and masterfully performed by the young(ish) cast. Apart from being hugely entertaining, the play is food for thought and best experienced with friends. Every character in Art represents a type of friend, and audiences are bound to ask themselves which one is them."
Art by Yasmina Reza will take place this evening February 6 and on February 11, 12, 13 at the Blue Box Theatre at M Space, Msida, at 8pm. Tickets can be purchased online at www.bluebox.com.mt. For more information visit www.facebook.com/whatstheirnames or email [email protected]. The project is supported by Arts Council Malta through the Programme Support Scheme. As per current COVID-19 guidelines, masks must be worn at all times and audience members are required to present a valid vaccination certificate at the door. This performance is not recommended for audiences below the age of 12.