A new Maltese-language production of Philip Ridley's acclaimed play Vincent River is set to be staged at Spazju Kreattiv in Valletta in October 2027, with auditions now being sought for the production's two leading roles.

The production, a Maltese adaptation by Simone Spiteri and directed by Bettina Paris, will bring Ridley's powerful and uncompromising two-hander to a Maltese-speaking audience.

The production team is looking for two exceptional actors to take on the roles of Anita and Davey.

Anita, for a performer with a playing age of between 40 and 50, is a tough, sharp and defensive woman with a dark sense of humour. Beneath her hardened exterior is a mother struggling with grief and anger following the devastating circumstances surrounding the death of her son.

Davey, to be played by an actor aged 18 or over but with a playing age of between 18 and 20, is restless, volatile and vulnerable. He arrives at Anita's door carrying secrets of his own and an urgent need to tell her what he knows.

Set in the aftermath of a brutal homophobic murder, Vincent River follows two strangers whose lives have been shattered by the same death. What initially emerges as a confrontation marked by suspicion gradually develops into an intimate and emotionally charged exploration of grief, sexuality, shame, prejudice and truth.

The play, written by Ridley, whose other works include Mercury Fur and Tender Napalm, is emotionally demanding and requires performers capable of dealing with highly charged and challenging material.

Auditions will take place in two phases. Interested actors must first contact Adrian Buckle by email at [email protected] to request the audition pack.

The first phase requires applicants to submit a self-tape or video recording by noon on 2 October. Selected candidates will then be invited to attend in-person recall auditions on Sunday, 18 October.

Actors submitting a self-tape are required to ensure that they are available to attend the recall auditions should they be selected. Further information and audition material will be provided to applicants.

Applicants must have a strong command of spoken Maltese and be available for rehearsals from September through October 2027 ahead of the performances at Spazju Kreattiv in Valletta.

The project is supported by Arts Council Malta and the Malta Gay Rights Movement (MGRM).