The ŻiguŻajg children’s festival is now firmly entrenched in the cultural calendar of these islands. Not only does it feature a week-long programme of events specifically aimed at a young audience but it also churns out some of the most exciting productions of the local theatre scene.
Over the years, it has also commissioned some truly memorable work by local theatre practitioners and this year is no exception.
Studio 18’s production is directed by Jean Marc Cafa and written by Simone Spiteri, one of the most exciting and pro-lific directors and playwrights around. Both Cafa and Spiteri are in the early stages of their careers, but both show a maturity and understanding of the theatre craft that belies their age.
Together with a cast of (mostly) teenagers, they have produced a touching, yet exciting piece of theatre that revolves around the story of Matt, a 17-year old who is faced with a number of life-changing choices when he suddenly discovers that he is to become a teenage dad.
With minimal staging, clever use of projection and judicious use of sound/music, Cafa has managed to create a highly-visual and multi-sensory production that keeps the audience engaged throughout the show.
On her part, Spiteri’s writing feels fresh. She has appropriated the techspeak of today’s youth and distilled it into a well-balanced and captivating script that tackles a very sensitive subject without falling prey to any form of sermonising. Spiteri’s use of Matt’s passion for photography also gave rise to some beautiful parallels drawn between life and art.
The acting of the young cast members was overall very good, particularly in the difficult ensemble scenes that were well-choreographed and visually pleasing.
The characterisation was clear and memorable without being caricatured. James Azzopardi Meli played Matt very skilfully, with the right balance of youthful brashness and tenderness. The same could be said for Rebecca Attard, who played Matt’s ex-girlfriend and mother of his (as yet unborn) child. Hers was probably one of the most difficult part to play and she carried it off with great skill and without lapsing into melodrama.
A highly-visual and multi-sensory production that keeps the audience engaged
I was altogether moved by this young actress’s outburst in which she revealed the extent of her fears and suffering to Matt.
On her part, Spiteri cleverly avoids the trap of falling into sentimentality by introducing the character of Lara, an outsider who stumbles into Matt’s life at the same time and helps him redeem himself by taking his focus off himself and his situation.
Nikki Demajo Albanese handled the part admirably without turning her character into a helpless victim. Her dry delivery brought out her character perfectly and counterbalanced that of the two young parents to be.
Complementing the young cast are two veterans of the local stage, Pierre Stafrace and Coryse Borg, playing Matt’s parents.
Both actors were very well cast and gave excellent portrayals of two complementary reactions to the situation, with Borg playing the more judgemental parent and Stafrace the more understanding. In the end, their own story explains their diverse attitudes with great compassion.
The ŻiguŻajg team should be praised for commissioning this production.
They have taken a bold step in the choice of subject material but judging by the reception of the audience, they have hit on a winner. I’m already looking forward to next year’s programme.