Mario Philip Azzopardi, the outspoken and, at times, controversial writer and director, first saw the play in English 30 years ago in Munich. "I still remember how I felt leaving the theatre, and it's a feeling I've carried with me all my life," he recalls. "So when Teatru Manoel gave me the opportunity to produce a play in translation, I accepted immediately and proposed Ir-raġel li ħawwad lil martu ma' kappell by Peter Brook and Marie-Hélène Estienne."
Unlike most other plays, this one does not follow the usual three-act structure, with a beginning, middle and conclusion. Instead, it is split into 16 scenes, each of them telling the story of different patients whom neurologist Oliver Sacks treated in his clinic. The name of the play is, in fact, derived from one of the scenes in which a man who suffers from a rare disorder called visual agnosia, cannot recognise objects and faces. "There is no plot in this play, and there is no fantasy either," Azzopardi explains. "This means that it might not appeal to everyone, but everything that happens and is said on stage comes directly from Oliver Sacks' own diary."
The lasting impression that this production has had on Azzopardi is evident in the way he describes the scenes and their overall effect. "This play is about the experiences of 16 individuals plagued by mental illness. The way each of them fights his own particular affliction is inspirational. In fact, I would go as far as to say it's spiritual," he adds.
While translating The man who mistook his wife for a hat, Azzopardi went a step further. Aware of the possibility that not every member of the audience might be familiar with Paris, he took the liberty to change the setting of one of the scenes. "One of the patients is asked to imagine himself in a Parisian square and to describe what he sees," he explains. "Since the scene depends on what the patient sees, I changed the setting to that of a Maltese pjazza so everybody could relate to it."
Bringing the characters to life are some of the most accomplished Maltese actors. Mikhail Basmadjian, Ray Calleja, Vince Micallef Pulè and Charles Sammut will be playing the various roles under the direction of Azzopardi. The director, who has recently been honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the first Malta Film Awards, hopes that this play will convey an important message to its audience. "Life is precious," Azzopardi says. "We are all guilty of not appreciating what a gift life is. This adaptation shows us how foolish we are to focus on what is lacking in our lives instead of being grateful for all we do have."
Ir-raġel li ħawwad lil martu ma' kappell runs at Teatru Manoel on Friday, 18 at 8pm, Saturday, 19 at 8pm and Sunday, 20 February at 3 and 7pm. This event adheres to all current Covid-19 guidelines. Audience members must wear masks at all times. Tickets are priced at €20 and are available via [email protected], by telephone on (+356) 2124 6389 or online at www.teatrumanoel.mt