Actinghouse Productions’ theatre performance at St James Cavalier of Tattoo, by Dea Loher, turned out to be quite a success during its first weekend. Irene Christ’s direction led the cast to a polished two-hour performance which through its style, ritualistic elements and choice of music brings out vividly the emotional and psychological disturbances present in all characters.

Tattoo is a drama about sexual abuse within the family written by Dea Loher in German and translated by Michael and Michael. The older daughter is abused by her own father and in a plight to escape, falls into the arms of a young florist. The younger daughter goes through a turbulent adolescence which involves envy, self-harm and later also abuse.

Following last Sunday’s performance, many were those who stayed on for a discussion with psychologist Mary Ann Borg Cunen in order to ask questions and delve more into the subject together with the actors and director present.

Tattoo will be staged again this Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 8pm. Another discussion will take place on Saturday after the performance.

Tattoo’s cast is made up of Maria Buckle, Sarah Suda, Stefan Cachia Zammit, Simone Ellul and Nick Bonanno. Sound effects were artistically prepared by Michael Quinton and Victor Manduca is responsible for stage design.

Tickets can be obtained from St James Cavalier by phoning on tel. 2122-3200 or sending an email to boxoffice@sjcav.

org.