The director and set designer of the play Ħabbilni Ħa Nirbaħ have quit following a clash with well-known producer and V18 artistic director Mario Philip Azzopardi.
Sean Buhagiar and Adrian Mamo have stepped down on the eve of Staġun Teatru Malti's play at the Manoel Theatre.
"I had an argument with Mario about direction. I didn’t have the opportunity to put all the elements together in a way that I believe should be associated with my name, so the show will happen with Mario Philip taking the final decisions. It’s not my show anymore. It was my show until last Tuesday," Mr Buhagiar told Times of Malta.
There was a decision taken: it was 'my way or thanks anyway'
"It’s at a stage where the show can go ahead with me or without me. I know it will be of good quality. I’m letting them go ahead with my work because of my huge respect for the actors. My work is technically my property. I don’t want to damage the show. But I’m leaving Staġun Teatru Malti with immediate effect. I didn’t quit or abandon. I was forced out. There was a decision taken: it was 'my way or thanks anyway'".
Asked whether the clash would also impact his role as assistant artistic director of V18, Mr Buhagiar said: "I cannot comment at this stage".
When contacted, Mr Mamo said Mr Azzopardi basically went on to the Manoel stage, took over the direction and started dismantling the set.
"I've designed over 40 productions. It's the first time something like this happened. Now, the play is currently in its production week, so it's impossible to just start afresh. But of course the show must go on."
When contacted, Mario Philip Azzopardi denied that he had forced Mr Buhagiar out of the production and added that he had threatened to sue him if he left.
“Artistic differences are constant in the theatre,” he said.
"Mr Buhagiar is obviously very inexperienced in the way things work. I am surprised and shocked that he would abandon the show at this stage.”
Mr Azzopardi who spent years working in film production in Canada had directed a Labour Party television advert before the 2013 general election and had openly endorsed Joseph Muscat before he was appointed as V18 artistic director.
The promo for Habbilni Ha Nirbah