Ben and Rebecca, what has the rehearsal process of 'Giddieb' been like? What's made it different from other processes?

BEN: The Giddieb rehearsal process has allowed me to find out as much about Grillu as I possibly can. Collectively, Jean and Rochelle have created a wonderful rehearsal space that nurtures creativity and encourages exploration. To top it all off, the rest of the cast members have been an absolute dream to work with, so I honestly couldn't have asked for a more comprehensive, fun and interesting rehearsal process.

BECKY: For me, the rehearsal process has been great. It's not often that you get the chance to play around so much in the room, so I've really enjoyed getting to the heart of the characters before diving into the staging of the piece. I mean, we get paid to run around the room as animals and make sandwiches in character, so I can't complain...

What characters do you both play? And, do you think people will be able to relate to the characters you're portraying?

BEN: I play the character of Grillu - an embodiment of Pinocchio's conscience who's weirdly obsessed with control. And, one of Grillu's most defining factors is his Machiavellian nature, in that he only cares about what happens to others if it impacts his own goals. With that being said, I do hope that not many audience members relate to my character.

BECKY: I play two characters: Mara and Qattusa. I think they'll definitely be able to see themselves and/or people they know in most of the characters on stage. The script does a great job of really displaying a cross-section of Maltese society, so it's unavoidable.

 

And, why would audiences want to watch this over a movie or a night out?

BEN: From witty dialogue and tense drama to tongue-in-cheek musical numbers, Giddieb is set to entertain audiences in ways you might not expect a theatrical performance to do. Entertainment value aside, this show subtly shines a light on some questionable practices that are prevalent within Maltese society, so audiences can also expect to take home ample food for thought.

 

So, what's it about? Right. Wrong. Both. Yes. No. Maybe. Black. White. Grey. Is there room for a clean conscience in the modern world? Is there anything to be had from being a "good boy"? Do liars really come to a sticky end? What would Pinocchio think today?

Inspired by Collodi's Pinocchio, the piece brings the renowned puppet's story to a local level - but rather than simply accepting the pre-set binaries of right and wrong, Pinocchio questions his very conscience, sending him on a journey that will push his moral fibre to the brink.

Visit www.kreattivita.org for more information and tickets