This month sees the premiere of 'Mara - A celebration of women through time'. This is a fast-paced theatre production full of inspirational stories that celebrate women throughout time, which includes not only acting, movement and singing, but also live sound elements. Coryse Borg speaks to the sound designer of this project, 23-year-old Bettina Cassar, who is also one half of music sensation The New Victorians.

First of all... tell us something about yourself

I'm currently based in London pursuing my love for sound, songs and music. When I'm not making music you'll usually find me reading, writing or eating while attempting to maintain a fitness routine and capturing everything on camera. 

How old were you when you started getting interested in music? 

I live in a very musical household and started piano lessons at the age of seven. I loved playing and by the age of 12, I was penning my first songs, terrible as they may have been! After studying sciences at 'A' level I realised medicine wasn't really for me and chose to study music. After graduating with a B.A. in Music Studies focusing on Composition at the University of Malta, I taught music for two years at a primary school. I had always been very fascinated by technology and recording and this led me to my Masters degree in Audio Production at the University of Westminster in London. I'll be graduating next November.

What do your family and friends think of your chosen profession?

Initially I felt I was letting my family down by not becoming a doctor. However, once I made the decision I was very lucky to have received only love and support from my family and friends alike. Many still ask what "exactly" it is I do, or want to do, and I guess that is a question I still ask myself every day! All I know is that I'm happy to be learning new skills and investing time and effort in things I love. I believe this helps me grow as a person and that is something everyone wishes for their loved ones.

How did the idea for 'Mara' come about?

When studying for my degree I felt the only area missing in the course was that of live-interactive sound and sound design for theatre. My sister Philippa and I, both having a love for music and theatre, thought it would be a fun and new project to try and merge our love for the two. Thus, we first came up with the idea of creating a theatre production that heavily relied on sound and used sound interactively. And eventually, Mara was born. 

What is different and unique about 'Mara'?

Mara is an immersive production that will transport the audience to different times and places. Some sounds in the show will be recorded and manipulated live for the audience to see, other sounds will be triggered almost in conversation with the cast members and other musical parts will be played live by myself and other members of the cast. 

What exactly is your role?

Apart from helping out with the brainstorming and administration work for the show, any sound that you hear all night was created, composed or recorded by me. As a sound designer for the project I will become one of the performers, visible on stage and playing my part live as a member of the cast. I'll be recording some sounds, triggering others, while also playing live music and sneaking in some vocals too.

Who are the other people involved?

The cast is made up of 10 women of various ages. They're a multi-talented cast of actors/dancers/singers/musicians who have all been involved in devising the work from the start. Cast members include Charlotte Stafrace, Mariele Zammit, Ruth Borg, Bettina Paris, Becky Camilleri, Tezara Camilleri, Corinne Camilleri, Tutzi Cassar, Nicole Carabott and Nicole Zarb, with the overseeing of Denise Mulholland and input of Polly March. We've also teamed up with dancers from ArtsExel and choreographer Marisha Bonnici, as well as with Jamie Genovese Visual Arts who will be holding a photo exhibition on site.

What is in the pipeline for the immediate future?

In the coming months I have a work placement with the sound team at the National Theatre in London, where I will be part of the team putting up the autumn and Christmas shows at their theatres in Southbank. And of course work with The New Victorians keeps going - new songs, new projects, new ideas! 

Why should people come to watch 'Mara'?

People should come to watch Mara because everyone has a story to tell and all stories should be celebrated. Plus there are also a handful of super funny moments that one would not want to miss! A great cast, a great theme and a new exciting interactive show with an intimate audience that will have a chance to affect the outcome of the work - the question is why wouldn't you come to watch Mara? 

Mara - A celebration of women through time is supported by Arts Council Malta - Malta Arts Fund. It will take place at the Teatru Manoel Studio Theatre on 19, 20 and 21 August at 9pm. Tickets may be purchased from www.teatrumanoel.com.mt