Alfred Buttigieg's L-Interrogazzjoni is part gender-defying and part challenging battle of wits. The hour long production will delve into the complex relationship of couple Martina and Stephanie rendered prisoners within the claustrophobic confines of their traumatic past. With the wounds in the relationship permeating this deep The Malta Independent on Sunday sit down with actress ANGELE GALEA a few days away from opening night to see if they can pick up on any clues ahead of next week's premiere!
You play Stephanie in L-Interrogazzjoni. Tell us more about your character and who she represents in today's society.
Stephanie is totally besotted with Martina and completely under her control. She is willing to stay at home to be the mother Martina is not. But she still has hidden strengths and reaps her own benefits from this relationship. Even though she is the weaker character, there is a part of her that challenges and will not be trampled on. There are many who are in difficult and unusual relationships and I would like to portray their strengths with dignity, as they survive within such straining power struggles.
This show is being staged in a someone's living room in their own home. How does it feel to be performing in a setting like this?
I have performed and produced plays in unusual settings without having a conventional stage but never in a private setting. I am looking forward to this challenge as I like small audiences in intimate spaces.
You're no stranger to the stage, what was it that drew you to this play and this character?
This play reflects upon some aspects of our communities and I am very intrigued by works which are social commentaries. For me, theatre should mirror society back to the audience to help it analyse its realities and hopefully this would result in developing a more critical society that asks challenging questions and does not accept the status quo.
This character is very far from my character in some way and I love that. It gives me a chance to discover these aspects which are neglected or underdeveloped in me, and that process helps me understand both the character and myself better.
We've been told that this play will involve tea, wine, and fetishism?... care to tell us more?
Intrigued? You should come watch then.
Each show seats up to 45 audience members only. The privileged few will be invited to a private residence in Gharghur where they'll be served wine and tea throughout the show. Yes that's right, no stage just a house and a living room, and you're invited. If you were wondering what the address is, then let the suspense build, but hold your mobile phones close because Teatru Malta will be letting ticket buyers know that once you buy your ticket! What more? The host is also inviting audiences to a special edition of L-Interrogazzjoni for Valentine's day which will include the show, a post show Taħdita Teatru with the cast, director, writer and special guests over a special menu prepared by the host and free flowing wine! Fancy doing something different than your usual dinner for two, then get booking those tickets.
L-Interrogazzjoni is strictly 16+ and opens on the 7th of February. Show will run until the 16th of February. Tickets are €18 (full) /€15 (concession) for all nights and €30 on Valnetine's day. To book your tickets visit Kultura.mt or call Teatru Malta on 21220255 for more information!
Photos: Elisa von Brockdorff