The universal search for freedom goes on in FM Theatre Production’s upcoming portrayal of the Butterflies Are Free. Jo Caruana interviews director Stephen Oliver.

Freedom is something we all crave. In our jobs, in our relationships and in our decisions, we all want to feel that the choices are ours and that destiny is in our hands.

Freedom is a predominant theme in Butterflies Are Free, a comedy that opens at St James Cavalier on Friday.

The play tells the story of blind aspiring singer-songwriter Don Baker, played by Luke Merceica, who is stubbornly fighting for independence from his family.

But his mother, a wealthy widow, is equally determined to yank her son back from his hippie New York apartment to the home they used to share. It is then that Don’s neighbour – the eccentric, free-spirited Jill – comes into his life, and everything changes.

Butterflies Are Free’s director, Stephen Oliver, explains that the script was originally written by Leonard Gershe in 1969.

“The play gets its title from a quote from Bleak House by Charles Dickens,” he says. “Namely: ‘I only ask to be free. The butterflies are free. Mankind will surely not deny to Harold Skimpole what it concedes to the butterflies’.”

“The play has a refreshing, bitter sweet edge to it,” says Oliver, who has worked extensively in theatre, both locally and overseas.

“The playwright has successfully combined a romantic comedy with touching human elements. In the UK I am perhaps more known for my direction of serious drama and musical theatre, so it is refreshing to direct this novel piece.”

And, although the play was first produced in the 1960s, Oliver is ada-mant it is still just as relevant today.

After all, the themes in Butterflies Are Free touch upon the universal desire for independence, the need for acceptance in society, and the importance of not treating others differently just because they have a disability.

“The first pangs of love – won and lost – are all still equally relevant in 2015,” he says.

The first pangs of love – won and lost – are all still equally relevant in 2015

Taking on the role of Jill, Maxine Aquilina is one of Malta’s up-and-coming actresses. She recently received rave reviews for her portrayal of escort Kim in the February production of All New People. This time, her persona will be completely different.

“Jill is unlike any character I have ever played,” says Aquilina. “She is the type of girl who doesn’t think of consequences and really lives for the moment.”

“In the play”, she says, “she identifies strongly with butter-flies and she is exactly that – never around for long and hard to catch!”

Aquilina was first drawn to the play when she heard producer, Marika Fenech (who will also be playing the role of Mrs Baker) talk about it.

“She has such fond memories of playing Jill in a local production of the script in the 1970s that I bought the book for myself. I quickly fell in love with everything about it.”

Nevertheless, Aquilina admits that Jill is a challenging character to play. Her physicality and lack of inhibition have drawn the actress out of her comfort zone.

“That’s a good thing, though,” says Aquilina. “My main aim is to be versatile in the roles I bring to life. So it’s important that I try new things and stretch my boundaries. I love being able to play this kind of character and make her my own.”

Asked about the other characters, Oliver goes on to explain they are all written as very real people, which he hopes will ensure the audience relate to them.

“This is the sort of show that will take the audience from laughter to tears. It also has a beautiful resolution; leaving those present wondering: what did become of them?”

The director goes on to pass judgement on the local theatre scene – a sector he joined 18 months ago.

“I have seen the range of theatre here increase substantially,” he says.

“That’s great – not just for the actors and directors, but for the theatregoers too. Judging from the productions I have directed and acted in so far, productions are well supported by audiences and theatre in Malta is in a very healthy place.

“I really like what I see and I certainly plan on staying!” he says.

Butterflies are Free runs on Friday and next Sunday, May 28 to 31 and June 4 to 7.

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