How did this production evolve from the very first idea into what it is today?

André Mangion: It was a process that started months ago. The theme was decided upon after a discussion between myself, Daniel and Toni. All three of us felt that poverty in Malta is a social concern and, in the years to come, will continue to be at the front of our ever-changing social landscape. Right after settling on a theme, I needed to get in touch with people going through this reality. I wanted to understand what it means to be poor in Malta. Who is considered to be poor and who is not... I started speaking with organisations and individuals and I started to realise that poverty is not only a financial matter. Not having a roof on your head is not simply the result of not having enough money to pay rent or the bills. The reality is rooted even deeper in the social surroundings, peers, family. I asked questions about poverty and rooflessness, and I got answers about domestic violence, inter-family conflicts, toxic relationships, pride, nepotism, the law and mental health. All of these were intertwined with poverty. To be quite honest I was overwhelmed with the myriad of information and stories that I was being exposed to.  

So, the very first draft was around 60 pages long, had around 20 characters and took two hours to read. I tried to put all the information I gathered, black on white, in a narrative. Obviously the first draft needed to be reworked and reworked and four drafts down the line we have a much more concise and stronger version of the first draft. Together with Toni I spent hours discussing each and every detail of the script. Sometimes removing a character, then adding him back, discussing the plot, discussing the characters, finding what is missing in the script. The process was hard, but very rewarding. 

 

And, what do the characters reveal about poverty and the current situation in Malta? How closely does it portray reality?

André Mangion: I have worked a lot on trying to have each character having a story which relates to one or two issues relating to poverty. One character brings forward the extensive problem that nepotism has on poverty. On one hand NGOs work really hard with people to develop lifelong skills to overcome poverty. A process which could be destroyed when the same person is promised and given freebies close to an election. Another character brings forward issues of gaslighting and its direct consequence on rooflessness. These are some examples of how each character is key to the plot and how the plot is rooted into all elements that relate to poverty. Each narrative we follow in the play is inspired by stories which I have heard or came across during my research. They are very much ingrained in the local realities that other people are experiencing here in Malta in the year 2022.   

 

How do these characters function within the play and how do they affect or refract the themes ideas or questions?

Toni Attard: Ruth is the central character of the play. All Ruth wanted was for her son to have a better life than she did. Simple, but not easy. Ruth recounts a series of events that have led her to fall into the depths of the poverty line. At times she is hopeful and pushes on to bring herself out of the situation she is in, however, she falls victim to circumstance in other moments leaving her with nothing or very little. The play goes beyond statistics, social benefits, low wages and inflation, showing audiences that poverty is not always a question of wealth. The story is a fictional one but the characters are everyday people that are deeply rooted in Maltese reality. Michela Farrugia, Josette Ciappara, Charles Sammut, Sharon Bezzina and Clint Chircop make up the exceptional cast, playing different characters that bring this contemporary play to life.

The actors work as an ensemble shifting across multiple characters. They are all connected to Ruth and their actions and inactions have a direct consequence on her own life situation and of those around her.

 

Are there any specific reactions you are expecting or want to bring out from the audience?

Toni Attard: I doubt that the theme, Andre's powerful writing and the strong delivery in the characterisation of the actors will keep audiences indifferent to the action on stage. The play invites audiences to reflect on different facets of poverty in Malta and encourages them to reflect on their own perceptions of what triggers poverty and homelessness. Hopefully, they could actively look at how they could make a difference.

 

'Ta' Fuqha Senduqha' premieres this weekend with performances also happening next week from 21 until 23 October. More information on www.kreattivita.org