As the latest play in the Staġun Teatru Malti series approaches its premiere, actress Karmen Azzopardi tells Jo Caruana why Faith, Hope u Charity was the play that enticed her back on stage after 10 years.

Our island’s history continues to enthral us. From the temples to the Knights, there are countless stories still to be imagined, remembered and told.

Proving this is the latest play in the Staġun Teatru Malti series, Faith, Hope u Charity. It tells a story from Malta during World War II and it has been set at Fort St Elmo so as to really capture the atmosphere of this long-gone era.

The play follows the sell-out success of last year’s production, Kappillan ta’ Malta. It is being staged as part of the Malta Arts Festival and includes an original score by Mro Dominic Galea.

It is set to be a very nostalgic piece – telling a love story that plays out through the ravages of war.

One of the biggest coups for the production is the fact that it has enticed renowned actress Karmen Azzopardi, who is 82, back on stage after an absence of almost 10 years.

She has long been considered one of the island’s leading ladies. She trained for the stage at the Actor’s Studio in London and for broadcasting at the BBC.

Throughout her long career, she played roles in both English and Maltese, ranging from comedy to classical drama in productions, including the Greek Tragedies of Women of Trachis, Medea, Hecuba and the Phoenician Women.

Speaking about her return, the charming actress said that she was absolutely thrilled to be given the opportunity.

“I am so glad I was offered this part,” she says. “In recent years I had begun to doubt whether I would ever get back on stage.

“The very first day I attend rehearsals I was given such a wonderful welcome by my colleagues. Thanks to the producers and director Josette Ciappara, I got through that first nerve-wracking moment and, once I started work, it all came back to me. It’s exhilarating, and I am enjoying myself tremendously. This has given me a new lease on life.”

Azzopardi last tread the boards in 2005 in a one-woman show at the Manoel Theatre titled An Evening with Karmen Azzopardi. This was directed by Jon Rosser and featured excerpts from eight of her favourite theatre pieces.

Sadly, in the years since that production, she has faced several challenges, including the loss of her husband and recovery from open-heart surgery.

“I honestly thought my career was over,” she says thoughtfully. “I am very grateful to God, as well as to heart surgeon Alex Manche, for making me well enough to face this production.

“Now I really couldn’t be more thankful to be back on stage and I am rearing to go,” she says. “Of course I had a few worries. I was terrified I wouldn’t be fit enough, or be able to remember my lines, but thankfully it all seems to have come together.”

I was terrified I wouldn’t be fit enough or be able to remember my lines, but thankfully it all seems to have come together

The actress has high praise for the writer, Immanuel Mifsud, who she says has helped to make the process even easier through his beautiful work.

“The text is so wonderful that learning it hasn’t been that difficult at all. It has instilled me with a lot of confidence and I am now really looking forward to sharing it with our audiences.”

The script is a war story, although it isn’t only called Faith, Hope u Charity in honour of the legendary planes that formed the entire Maltese airforce against the might of the Italian Aereonautica, but also after three wonderful people who were caught up in the terrible tragedy of the war.

In the play, William Timber Woods, Charity’s pilot (played by Carlos Farrugia) downs an Italian pilot (Davide Tucci) who lands in a garden of a villa owned by Contessa Fiorini Sacco (played by Monica Attard).

Her granddaughter, Maria (Sarah Camilleri) takes care of the wounded Italian who is later visited in hospital by Timber Woods. Both men are drawn to Maria and the relationships that ensue are the prime subject of this bitter sweet production.

“It is a story about love, respect, duty and honour and I do love a good love story,” quips the actress, who is playing the role of one of the characters in her later years, while simultaneously narrating aspects of the story.

“I think audience members will love it: the young will fascinated by the true stories of war in our country, while those who are slightly older will certainly enjoy the nostalgic atmosphere and sweet tale.

“There’s also so much passion going into the production and I am sure our audiences will be able to feel that. The team behind it is absolutely incredible. Josette is fabulous – I have been so inspired by her verve and countless ideas; she has infused her passion into the rest of us.

“I was also so honoured to receive Mario Philip’s call, when he asked me to take the part. I am glad I agreed, as I am thrilled to see how much energy has been invested in this play and I am very proud to be part of the 10th original production within the company.

“Of course, the fact that it is being staged against the backdrop of Fort St Elmo makes it even more special. I honestly believe that Faith, Hope u Charity will be a production that will be remembered for a long time to come. I am now dying to get on stage and perform and am so excited for opening night to arrive. I just have one request: please wish me luck!”

Faith, Hope u Charity premieres on Wednesday and continues on Friday, Saturday and next Sunday and July 29 and 31 and August 1 and 2. Booking is open at the Manoel Theatre.

www.teatrumanoel.com.mt

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