When a nation’s identity is challenged

Drama
Geography Victims 2
ActionBase Studio

The identity of a nation was the subject of Geography Victims 2. By using a number of theatre conventions, three Zagreb-based actors (Miran Kurspahic, Sven Jakir and Dean Krivacic) questioned the idea of Croatian identity and explored what will become of it should the country finally join the EU.

Ranging widely from history and politics to gastronomy and football, while dwelling lengthily on the rampant racism and intolerance, the actors analysed Croatian inclinations with merciless satire and incessant humour. It was an engaging combination of business and pleasure, so to speak.

The performance featured as part of the International Festival of the Arts being held at the new ActionBase Studio of John Schranz’s Gruppi Għall-Inkontri tal-Bniedem (Groups for Human Encounter). Gruppi’s new home (or should we say, monastery?) is found at a gorgeous verdant spot deep in the Buskett valley.

Although not easily accesible, the site is evocative and must provide a constant source of inspiration to the Gruppi’s members during their workshops.

The performance was held in a spacious backyard under a starry sky. Mosquitos and the dewy cold were rather an annoyance, but I suppose a place like this will have to come at a price. The present performance was nothing similar to what we have become accustomed to expect to watch at the ActionBase Studio.

The three actors were having a lot of earthly fun, and they obviously wanted the audience to have its share of the fun too. Tackling the theme in question with tongue-in-cheek gusto and a huge sense of irony, they probably succeeded in entertaining the majority of their spectators.

Indeed, some members of the audience managed to sustain a cackle all the way, perhaps even when there was little to laugh about. Exposing Croatian characteristics warts and all, particular moments were rather too graphic to inspire laughter. Case in point was the scene of a typical Croatian binge which apparently ends up with each carouser smashing up his bottle against his head. Strangely, this scene produced shocking gasps from some, and guffaws from others.

The theatrical language used was simple, yet effective. The actors spoke directly to the audience in the style of stand-up comedy. Their impressive confidence in looking the audience right in the eye was a proof of the considerable experience behind them. They also used song, choreography, farce, audience interaction, and video projections.

Although obviously script-based, there was a considerable use of “improvised” lines to make the performance more relevant to a Maltese audience. This came to a head when one of the actors emerged wrapped up in the flags of Malta and Croatia, and sang a song Danke Malta. Done with the song, the actor turned to walk back, only to reveal bare buttocks from which hung a plastic glove and a flag of the EU. The metaphor behind the glove was probably directed at the Schengen Agreement, while that of the flag left little to doubt about.

Unsurprisingly, the audience turnout to this performance was poor. This was a real pity. It should have been watched by the whole population. Most of us could have learnt something from these Croats’ flair for self-mockery, if only for the fun of it.

• More performances as part of the International Festival of the Arts are being staged at ActionBase Studios in Buskett today, tomorrow, Friday and Sunday.