Jovana KuzeljevicStaġun Teatru Malti returns to the Manoel Theatre with a new production, Marti Martek, Martek Marti, penned by Malcolm Galea of Porn, The Musical, fame.
The production offers a satirical and comedic theatrical romp that tackles the question of whether we’ve gone too far when it comes to sex, without falling into the trap of needing to moralise the outcome.
The play, its producers stated, has no hidden messages or deep intellectual exercises. Instead, it promises tongue-in-cheek naughtiness with characters that are quintessentially Maltese, middle class, and ‘liberated’, jostling through funny and totally irreverent situations.
Marti Martek, Martek Marti lambasts local, perceived morality rules which, in turn, creates the controversial nature of the piece. While local audiences may not be accustomed to these themes, written specifically for the Maltese theatre, there is no denying they are more than ready for them. The rapid-fire jokes are intended to push the envelope, placing the play squarely in non-traditional, sexually-controversial territory.
The plot is a simple one – four Maltese couples meet in a swanky farm in Gozo for a weekend of experimentation. The rules state that each guest must be accompanied by spouse or established partner. But things start to go wrong when one of them arrives with a gorgeous paid escort. Other complications crop up, followed by embarrassing situations and unexpected turn of events.
Carlos Farrugia, Chris Spiteri, Davide Tucci and Sean Briffa, together with Nicola Abela Garret, Larissa Bonaci and Sarah Camilleri and newcomer Jovana Kuzeljevic make up the cast.
Marti Martek, Martek Marti runs on Friday, Saturday and next Sunday and from May 20 to 22. Tickets are available online, by sending an e-mail to bookings@teatrumanoel.com.mt or by calling on 2124 6389.
www.teatrumanoel.com.mt