Usury, sex, rape and religious extremism are some of the ingredients that make up the storyline in Mor, a Maltese play inspired by the bad news transmitted daily by the media.
Penned by playwright Lino Farrugia, the play, which is rated 18, hinges on a 10-year-old boy called Mor, the character of the title.
This has presented a headache for the director, but the young actor, Connor Church, is taking it in his stride and was regularly accompanied by his mother to rehearsals and taken out of the room during some scenes, Mr Farrugia said.
"Besides, the child is listening to his mp3 player most of the time and is even taking part in a scene where he does not hear what is being said," Mr Farrugia added.
"Most of the time, the boy is backstage, probably doing his school work. That's what he has done during the rehearsals.
"His participation is a responsibility that needs careful handling and we have made absolutely sure he is protected in all ways and forms," he stressed.
The play follows the story of three characters who look very normal, and are churchgoers, but beneath this façade is lurking an inner evil that rocks their very existence. The characters are Moris (Mario Micallef), a man with a shady character; Gloria (Monica Attard), a doctor that contemplates murder; and Sina (Miriam Fiteni), a call girl in love with a priest.
They all bear a grudge against each other, and have sworn to destroy each other, but they still need one another to achieve their aim.
The plot thickens and leads to an unexpected climax where the truth cannot be believed as nobody dares to tell it.
"The play was inspired by the media. Just surf the internet in search of the latest world news and you come across the most awful, sometimes unbelievable, stories.
"I am analysing today's society from a point of view where everybody believes they are right in what they are doing," Mr Farrugia said.
Mor is being presented by Talenti, to mark its 20th anniversary, between April 11-13 and April 18-20 at St James Cavalier, Valletta.
For bookings call 2122 3216 or 9942 9282.
The production is being supported by the National Lotteries Good Causes Fund.