He’s contested elections, has worked as a teacher and marketing manager, and knows it all. Mikhail Basmadjian speaks to Veronica Stivala about playing this eccentric Maltese stereotype, of who, he says, there is a bit in each and every one of us
We’ve all met them at some point in our lives: they know it all, and only they are right. From censorship to celibacy, the Eurovision and vegetarianism, Cavalier John Giordimaina O.S.C.I. has an opinion about everything, including that only his is correct.
“The Kavallier is a very educated man, deeply religious and has opinions about everything, which he has been formulating for years, in his own words – through hard work and practice,” says Mikhail Basmadjian to explain the character he is playing in Unifaun Theatre’s next project: Il-Mitt Fehma tal-Kavallier John Giordimaina O.S.C.I.
Throughout his life, this man has worked as a civil servant, teacher and a marketing manager. He is also a member of various clubs, socio-cultural and religious associations, voluntary organisations and even contested the 1981 general election as an independent candidate, gaining 23 votes, later being elected as a councillor in the local council elections.
The humour in this speaks for itself. The Kavallier is a knight of the order of San Clement. His hobbies include music, cinema, theatre, politics, Maltese history, fireworks, literature and culture in general. “He is truly convinced that his is the only correct take on a variety of subjects. He does not stop to even consider that he could be wrong, and although mocked by some, is generally respected by society,” comments Basmadjian, offering more insight into this character. “Applying this in the Maltese context, there is certainly an eccentric Kavallier character each of us have met at one time or another.”
The play is very much character-based, centred around this unique character, and a lot rests on his portrayal
The play is very much character-based, centred around this unique character, and a lot rests on his portrayal. “Simplicity is key,” notes the actor of his realisation of the character. “Rather than appearing grotesque and overtly eccentric, the challenge is to convince the audience that the Kavallier truly believes in the arguments he presents.”
So what may seem to be a simplified take on things, often based on logic alone, is often the correct conclusion but one that society has either outgrown or learnt to live with, observes Mikhail. The Kavallier reminds us of the basics, which life has taught us to ignore or take for granted. While an approach could be to play him as a bombastic, authoritative and larger than life figure, Basmadjian’s approach is to portray him as a patriot, passionate and sincere in his conclusions. The comedy lies in his sincerity.
“Although his conclusions are often far-fetched, grandiose and appear to be re-inventing the wheel, one will eventually stop and say – there is a strong element of truth in his arguments, and there is a Kavallier in each and every one of us!”
Speaking about the physical aspect of playing this character, Basmadjian explains that the most difficult part is the energy required. “The Kavallier (although in his 60s) is a very energetic man who appears to be everywhere at once and who dominates the people around him. It is also quite strenuous on the voice.”
It is important to note that the actor is still fresh off the stage of a somewhat different play; in Adrian Buckle’s Unintended, he played Martin, a psycho-sadistic-masochistic father who tortures and kills his daughter’s boyfriend, on a normal weekday. How does he switch from one such character to a completely different one?
Basmadjian notes how the two parts are completely different – the Kavallier is a moralist, religious fanatic, opinionated, old school respected gentleman. He reveals how he was actually already rehearsing for this play all though the Unintended performances and that the fact that the characters are miles apart, makes it “not difficult to compartmentalise and switch from one to another”.
Speaking of the other character, one other juicy piece of information is that the Kavallier has also written various publications, including his latest book Bizzilla; Trevor Zahra, upon whose book (Bizzilla, yes) the play is based, has a wry sense of humour.
Even more fun is that he is acting in the play. “It is fun acting with Trevor – he is such a fun and easy-going person,” says Basmadjian. He reveals: “Since I have a lot of lines I am often apologetic to him for changing certain words and phrases, but he says he has no problem with that. The text is beautifully written, and is very conversational.”
There are advantages to having the author with you in that he can always provide an in-depth analysis of what he intended the character to be. Having said that, Mikhail affirms: “all through rehearsals Trevor has not interfered with the development of the character, and himself says that there is a difference between reading a piece, and ‘reading and playing’ a piece.”
Mikhail admits how, sometimes, during his speeches, he steals a look at Trevor at the other end of the room “to see his reaction to my delivery!”. The actor is humble and confides how he hopes he can “live up to the character he intended Kavallier to be, with strong input from director Josette Ciappara”.
Il-Mitt Fehma tal-Kavallier John Giordimaina O.S.C.I plays at Sir Temi Zammit Hall, University of Malta, Tal-Qroqq, Msida, at 8 pm on March18, 19, 24, 25 and 26.
www.unifauntheatre.com