Ir-Rajjes – Easter passion drama with a difference

Easter is a time when many opt to go to the theatre to watch a play about the passion of Christ. I myself do this every year and it has become part of my yearly Easter appointments. This year I had the pleasure of watching a play with a difference. It was entitled Ir-Rajjes, produced by Free Spirit and Props Productions in City Theatre. I also had the opportunity of watching it again on Net TV on Good Friday.

This is what actually inspired me to write and send this appreciation. I would love to congratulate the director and all the cast for the excellent play. The clever director managed to put together and create something different, an atmosphere which I have never experienced before, something different from that which I am normally accustomed to.

Some scenes were actually quite controversial. We saw how Christ, seemingly confused as to what God’s plan for him was, did not know exactly what he wanted. Then there was Judas in a different light – the importance of this character and his role in God’s plan for the fulfilment of the prophecies written years before.

Other acts which stood out were those concerning Pilate and King Herod. There were many inspiring, touching and deep monologues which made you think. Many were professional and well-known actors such as Carlos Farrugia, whose figure is synonymous with drama concerning the passion of Christ. The performance was brilliant, I must say one the best I have ever seen these last years. The stage set-up was excellent, so much so that many of the scenes were enacted close to the audience. This helped the audience participate more.

Among the most impressive scenes, there were those of Lazarus and the Last Supper. Here I must say that not much artificial light was used but the stage was lit up by fjakkoli giving it a warmth and a sense of reality. The scenes where Jesus was flogged and the Crucifixion were excellent and the Resurrection was unique.

In my opinion, the team was very professional, and both the actors and backstage crew knew very well what they were doing. They did a great job. I would like to conclude by encouraging the public to attend such representations, both because they are part of our culture and also to show our appreciation to these clever and good actors who spend a lot of their time studying and preparing to produce such works of art.