A shore thing

Edward Mercieca and Denise Mulholland in the foreground, with Pia Zammit and Paul Portelli at the rear

The American playwright Edward Albee can arguably be called the premier living dramatist in the US. Recently two of his best-known works have been produced here in Malta.

Now F & M Theatre Productions are to present Mr Albee's 1970s piece Seascape at the theatre-in-the-round from May 9 to 11, then the following weekend from May 16 to 18 - and possibly even for a further weekend from May 23 to 25.

In Seascape Nancy and Charlie, a couple on the verge of retirement, are having problems in their relationship.

They are discussing these matters on a beach when another couple appears, two human-sized lizards named Leslie and Sarah who speak and act like people. What the lizards experience with Nancy and Charlie nearly drives them back to the sea, but with an offer of help from the human couple, they decide to stay.

As with much of Mr Albee's work there is an element of fantasy and symbolism present. With Seascape he won his second Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

The playwright himself directed the original Broadway production, which opened on January 26, 1975, at the Shubert Theatre.

For F & M Theatre Productions the cast is a very strong one and comprises Edward Merceica, Denise Muholland, Pia Zammit and Paul Portelli. Chris Gatt will direct.

It's been an impressive theatre season at St James and Seascape should bring the season to a fitting climax. Tickets are available from the St James booking office.