The theatrical production Deformis investigates the poetry in horrific conditions. Classical art is filled with beautiful portrayals of gruesome circumstances: magnificent depictions of the crucifixion, beheadings, rape, torture and blood. Art has the faculty to dignify dismal incidents – a requiem mass for the dead.

Deformis features monologues with strong references to the Shakespearean characters of Shylock, Juliet, Richard III, Lady Macbeth and Tamora Queen of the Goths. The script for Deformis is almost entirely taken from William Shakespeare’s works. The other major reference in Deformis is Hieronymus Bosch, known for his visual interpretations of hell, death, sin and folly. The Shakespearean monologues are separated by short choreographic interludes based on details from the paintings of Hieronymus Bosch whose symbolism touches on the bizarre and the grotesque.

Deformis was conceived and directed by Ruben Zahra in collaboration with Teatru Ixidor featuring actors: Mario Abela, Adrian Azzopardi, Sharon Bezzina, Christine Borg, Stephen Buhagiar, Daniela Delia, Elisa Delia, Alison Desira, Beverly Pace and pianist Tricia Dawn Williams.

Deformis is part of the Summer University of Performing Arts 2006 organised by the Theatre Studies of the University of Malta. It will be staged on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 August at MITP, St Christopher Street, Valletta. Tickets are Lm2 and are available at the door.