Audiences at the Valletta Campus Theatre will soon be transported into an ancient world of love, fear and betrayal, for a fresh take on one of the Bible's most compelling narratives.

Written by Adrian Buckle and Trevor Zahra, Id-Dnub tal-Magħżulin tells in Maltese the biblical tale of David and Ġonatan through a contemporary lens, grappling with timeless themes of love under oppression, identity and the fragility of power.

Directed by Tyrone Grima, the play stars Miguel Formosa, Benjamin Abela and Peter Galea alongside a stellar cast that also features Sean Borg, Mandy Muscat, Stefan Farrugia, Josue Formosa, Bernard Zammit and Matthias Zarb.

For Miguel Formosa as Ġonatan, the relationship between his character and David isn't merely romantic - it's a deeply layered connection shaped by loyalty, love and impossible choices. "This play carries a certain weight of sensitivity," he says. "As straight actors, Ben and I are playing two men who fall in love - a narrative that demands authenticity and respect. Yet, the story explores themes that transcend romance and delve into identity, faith and the human condition."

Formosa was also struck by the script's multiple perspectives on the famous tale. "It's fascinating to see how the narrative weaves together different viewpoints, offering depth and nuance to a story many think they already know. Audiences can take away a profound lesson in resilience, recognising the strength it takes to endure and navigate challenges while staying true to your principles. This perspective adds a rich layer of humanity to the biblical context, making it more relatable and thought-provoking."

Played by Benjamin Abela, shepherd-turned-king David is caught between his love for Ġonatan, his loyalty to Sawlu and his hunger for power. "David must balance his desire to be with Ġonatan - the reigning king's son - with his unquenchable thirst for power, further compounded by his humble upbringing as a shepherd," explains Abela. "It's impossible to depict this complex slice of David's life accurately, without having a solid understanding of the original biblical text, the context within which such text was written and the political turmoil of the time."

Abela doesn't shy away from the play's exploration of homoerotic themes, pointing out how history - and scripture - are often filtered through selective lenses. "The words 'homoeroticism' and 'Bible' may seem contradictory, but they're more intertwined than you'd think. Id-Dnub tal-Magħżulin explores the details of David and Ġonatan's story that you wouldn't ordinarily learn about, offering an honest, accurate portrayal of two great biblical figures."

Overseeing the storm of emotions is Peter Galea as Sawlu: the increasingly paranoid and unhinged king whose fear of David drives him to ruin. "I never judge the characters I play," Galea says. "I hope the audience will see in Sawlu a human who is powerful but faulty, dysfunctional and broken by the end."

Galea also credits the unique production design with helping him embody the layers of Sawlu's character. "The set is raw and contrasts with the costumes, the lighting and the music, which will mirror the ups and downs, the bold and the soft, of the performance," he continues. "This setting helped me portray all of Sawlu's raw emotions and the highs and lows of such an intricate character."

The play's creative team includes set designer Romualdo Moretti, lighting designer Dali Aguerbi and costume designer Michela Manduca, while the production also includes original music composed by Alex Vella Gregory. Meanwhile, intimacy director Simone Ellul ensures that the performers feel safe to fully explore the material in a sensitive and creative environment.

Id-Dnub tal-Magħżulin still resonates so deeply, even after thousands of years, because of its universal relevance, with a story that will speak to anyone who has experienced love in adversity or felt the weight of societal expectations, concludes Galea. "Even though this is a biblical story, it is not religious. It is a provoking, intriguing, human tale of love, hate, success and failure."

Id-Dnub tal-Magħżulin performs at Valletta Campus Theatre (VCT), Valletta, on 31 January and 1, 2, 7, 8, 9 February 2025, with performances starting at 7.30pm. Performances on 31 January and 7 February will be followed by a post-show lecture and Q&A session with Rev Prof Josef Mario Briffa SJ. This production is suitable for audiences aged 16 and above, due to mature themes. Id-Dnub tal-Magħżulin is supported by Arts Council Malta. Tickets are available at www.adrianbuckle.com.

Photos: Jacob Sammut