Born at Rabat Malta, Fr John joined the Franciscans and studied in Malta, Jerusalem and Rome. Since 1977 he has participated yearly in an archaeological excavation in Jordan among the Byzantine remains. He is also an authorised guide in Israel. Right now he is the Communications Director of the Order of Friars Minor at the OFM General Curia in Rome. For 14 years he was director of Mask at the Catholic Institute where he set the pace for experimental theatre of a religious nature with plays like Grajjietna, Mislub f’Hagar Qim, L-Imsikket, Karba... He wrote and directed a number of plays in Maltese and since 1996 has been director of Skene, the residential theatre group at Metanoia Theatre (Luqa) with whom he has staged acclaimed productions like Skond San Gwann, Riflessi and Dawl fid-dlam. The new original play Mehlusin is his 19th script. He will be directing it and it will be held at Teatru Metanoia, Luqa on 31 March, and 1, 4 and 8 April.

Mehlusin is a play, which does not follow the traditional lines of a passion play. In fact it tries to reach out and ponder in the depths of human nature in its quest for serenity and joy. Mehlusin is also a voice shrieking in the silence of contemporary society in its search for light out of many dark tunnels. It questions the “voices” that want to “sell” to mankind illusions making us unaware of the real sense of life. The tragedy of the Cross comes out as an illumination and a meaningful experience if only we could listen to the inner voice calling us back to love and harmony.

How old are you? Star sign and date of birth?

53 years – Virgo born on 31 August 1954.

What would you like to be doing in 10 years’ time?

Watching a breathtaking sunset at

Mount Nebo (Jordan) overlooking the Dead Sea.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Freedom from all possessions.

What is your favourite occupation?

Computer graphics and programming.

Significant other?

Theatre and Archaeological Excavations.

What is your greatest fear?

Blindness.

What is it that you most value in your friends?

Sincerity and openness.

How would you like to die?

In peace with God.

What is your greatest extravagance?

I have none.

What is your greatest regret?

The day is only 24 hours long.

What is your most treasured possession?

My vocation.

Which talent would you

most like to have apart

from the ones you already have?

To be able to paint.

What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?

Dependence in all its forms.

Where would you like to live?

The world is my cloister.

What is your most marked characteristic?

Optimism.

Who are your heroes/heroines in real life?

Jesus Christ.

What is it that you most dislike?

Artificiality and gossip.

What is your motto?

The Lord is my Shepherd.