Tell us a bit about your life and career so far.

I am 51 years old, born and raised in Sliema.  I’ve directed various Agatha Christie plays on behalf of Atturi Salesjani and also acted in various comedies and thrillers at Teatru Salesjan throughout the past 30 years. I’ve also translated many scripts into Maltese. Away from theatre I’m an avid Juventus supporter and a great admirer of Marilyn Monroe, owning a large collection of memorabilia related to her.  I also love playing volleyball though, unfortunately, I don’t have much time for it.

What have been your favourite parts and directing jobs so far?

One of my favourite parts has to be the one I played in Agatha Christie’s masterpiece The Mousetrap, which was directed by Anna Ferris on behalf of Atturi Salesjani.  With regards to directing, I would mention another Agatha Christie masterpiece, Alibi, adapted from her book The Murder of Roger Ackroyd. This was a very hard play to direct but thanks to a superb cast the production was a huge success.

Why did you take up theatre?

I have been interested in theatre since my school days. My first acting part was as Bassanio in The Merchant of Venice.  As a young boy theatre made me very confident with people and this helped me as I grew up.  Theatre has now become my passion. I’m always on the look-out for challenging productions. When I accept a production I always give it my 100 per cent and expect the same from my team. Fortunately I have always worked with wonderful and dedicated people.

Do you have any memorable or funny moments from your theatrical life so far that you can share with us?

The most memorable moment must be when I was involved in the production Elements.  After it was produced at Teatru Salesjan as part of the centenary celebrations of the theatre in 2008, we staged it at the Mediterranean Conference Centre. The theatre was packed and the audience was super-excited. I can never forget the vibe we felt during the show.

I experienced an embarrassing situation when directing the show Movie Magic, which featured 25 movie soundtracks. A swing used during the Moulin Rouge soundtrack got stuck and the singer had to wait for some time before she could start singing. Those seconds felt like a lifetime.  Fortunately, the audience understood the situation and the show was still a huge success.

What’s your theatrical ambition? 

One of my ambitions is to encourage as many youngsters as possible to get involved in theatre.  I think theatre is a very good instrument to shed shyness and build a good and solid character. Theatre also enables you to work with a team and as a team and can help you in your future, especially when you need to work with other people, even at your workplace.  Theatre can also be a good way to release some of life’s stress.

Tell us about this play.

Ix-Xhud tal-Prosekuzzjoni is a typical whodunnit play. Written by Agatha Christie, it was originally called Traitor Hands and published in January 1925.  It was then part of the collection Hound of Death published only in United Kingdom. In 1948 it was published in America as Witness for the Prosecution and Other Stories. It was adapted to film in 1957, starring amongst others, Marlene Dietrich and Charles Laughton.

The plays tells the story of Leonard Vole who is arrested for the murder of Emily French.  She had made him her principal heir since she did not know that he was already married. His wife Romaine also testifies for the prosecution. Her testimony, together with that of Ms French’s governess Janet Mackenzie, put Leonard in a very delicate situation. Defence lawyer Sir Wilfrid Robarts needs to use all his tricks to try and save Leonard. The ending offers many twists and surprises.

What is your vision for its direction?

Directing a thriller is never easy. The audience must feel the thrill and be absorbed in the story. I had to create the necessary tension among the actors so that the audience is kept on edge until it climaxes at the end, with the typical Agatha Christie twist.  However, the team of actors I have helped me in my direction and we have come up with a very good product.

Why should people come and watch it?

This is one of Agatha Christie’s bestsellers with a very intriguing story that leaves the audience guessing up to the end, with the probability of them not guessing who the real culprit is. It is very entertaining and every word is important to the case. Although Dame Agatha died in 1976 at the age of 85 she is still considered the ‘Queen of crime writing’ today. 

‘Ix-Xhud tal-Prosekuzzjoni’ will be staged on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 April at 7.30pm at Teatru Salesjan Sliema. Tickets may be obtained from www.teatrusalesjan.com or between Monday 7 and Friday 11 April from the theatre’s booking office between 6pm and 8pm. Tickets will also be available at the door. For more information visit the Atturi Salesjani Malta Facebook page. Free parking will be available before both performances.