"You have to believe in the possibility of improvement, don't you?"

So says Veronica Novak in Yazmina Reza's satirical play God of Carnage, a comedy of manners that has none for itself. What happens when adults decide to drop the facade of civility? What would it look like if they let their emotions rule the order of the day? Yasmina Reza's Tony and Olivier award-winning play God of Carnage explores just that. This June, in a new production by Teatru Manoel directed by André Agius, God of Carnage explores how quickly we can all revert to a child-like state of anger and impatience.

French Playwright Yasmina Reza is known for the satirical edge she puts on her works that often reflect on contemporary middle-class issues. This production, in an English translation by Christopher Hampton, will bring Reza's humour and criticism to the theatre in a comedy that is sure to delight and entertain, leaving the audience constantly asking 'where will this go next?'

Reza's masterful writing takes a non-descript, everyday situation, and zooms in on the intricacies of social interactions and makes fun of the ridiculous ways in which human beings react to the smallest of things. God of Carnage centres around two pairs of parents who meet to discuss a fight their eleven-year-old sons had in the school playground. Their meeting begins in a very elegant and civilised manner but as the evening progresses, their hopes of reaching a civilized agreement quickly disappear. Tensions rise and the adults become increasingly petty, sensitive, and childish. The meeting quickly becomes astonishingly chaotic, erupting into a jungle-like state of predator and prey, with name-calling, tantrums, jealousy, and tears. Just like little boys on the playground.

This performance features actors Chris Dingli, Chiara Hyzler, Charlotte Grech, and Pierre Stafrace; a stellar cast that will bring the play to life with skill and precision under André  Agius's mindful directorial eye. Alongside these actors, Agius has gathered a talented crew to assist him in this theatrical venture - including some younger creatives - in an attempt to bring some new blood to the local theatre scene, which he is extremely passionate about. Emma Micallef will be working alongside Agius as the Associate Director and Zsófi Kelemen as the Assistant Director. Julia Camilleri will be stage managing the production and Mikaela Vella designing the costumes. Additionally, Teatru Manoel Artistic Director Adrian Mamo will be desiging the set to bring the internal world of God of Carnage to life on the Teatru Manoel stage.

God of Carnage takes place at Teatru Manoel in Valletta from the 6th to the 9th of June, starting at 8 pm and running for approximately 80 minutes without an interval. This performance comes with an age appropriation of 14+ due to strong language. For more information and to book your tickets, visit Teatru Manoel website or call the Box Office on 21246389.

Photos: Edward De Gabriele