Each one of us dreams of achieving our goals, of reaching our targets, of accomplishing our dreams. We all have our heroes, our idols, our role-models, whom we strive to imitate. However, on our path to success there are shadows lurking about, shadows that do not make this journey so smooth. They keep on emerging at the least expected moment. We do our best to suppress them, for we know that society will not embrace us if they knew about these little secrets of ours – and so much energy is wasted in throwing these shadows under the carpet.
Therese Martin, better known as Saint Therese of Lisieux, is undoubtedly one of the most popular saints in the Catholic Church. Her Little Way is a model of spirituality that is applicable to anyone, no matter one’s state of life. Therese showed us that anyone can reach the Kingdom of Heaven. But we often forget, or perhaps choose to ignore, that on her road to sainthood, Therese had to embrace the shadows and the monsters that were lurking in her. She had to accept that her dreams and aspirations were too ambitious and were the fruit of pride and egocentrism.
Henri Pranzini is accused of a triple murder. On one night he killed his lover, her daughter and the household maid. He is condemned to the guillotine for his atrocious deed. All French society refers to him as “the monster”. But Therese believes that, in spite of his actions he is also a human being, a son of God. She feels the calling to pray incessantly for the salvation of his soul. There must be a hero lurking somewhere in the past of this monster.
Shadows and Gods is an original play based on a number of literary sources. Written and directed by Tyrone Grima, it explores the possibility of integrating the shadow and the god within all of us. The lives of Therese Martin and Henri Pranzini are intertwined as the audience discovers the shadow in the god, and the god in the shadow.
Shadows and Gods (a THEATRENCORE production) will be shown at the theatre of St James Cavalier on 27, 28 and 29 April at 8pm. Mireille Mifsud will be interpreting the role of Therese Martin, and Keith Borg will be playing Henri Pranzini. The other members of the cast are Daniela Coppini, Carmel Serracino, Nadine Genovese, Sarah Camilleri and Dorianne Bonanno, and introducing newcomers Hayley Byrne and Francesca Borg Constanzi.