Drama helped model-turned-actor Carlos Farrugia ease his way into the limelight and quickly become a household name. He explains to Josette Abdilla-Cunningham how after more than a decade in the entertainment business, he still finds satisfaction in a thriving career, which now sees him set up his own company.

Languidly walking over to the table where I was seated, in a hip city café, Carlos Farrugia slowly settled into a chair opposite me, looking exhausted. Running a hand through sun-kissed locks, he greeted me with a smile and recounted how he hadn’t shut-eye for longer than two hours the night before, due to a delayed flight from neighbouring Sicily.

The magic of drama is indescribable. I’ve seen shy introverts transform and exude confidence with every acting lesson, as they strive to venture outside their comfort zone.

Two strong espressos later, he regained composure and a narrative set in. He told me how the previous night, he watched other tourists being briskly ushered out of the airport, while the Maltese entourage had to wait until well after three in the morning to hit the sack before re-awaiting flight departure time.

“I was brought up to honour commitments with a huge sense of pride” said Mr Farrugia, “so it’s hard for me to understand how some people lack the courtesy to deliver on time. Mishaps do happen, granted, but it’s managing to deal effectively through sticky situations that give you an edge above the rest.”

Mr Farrugia adopts that same mission statement for his newly set-up school for actors, Freespirit Acting. There’s no room for complacency; he believes a professional attitude must prevail.

“That doesn’t mean students don’t have fun learning,” he quickly offers.

“The magic of drama is indescribable. I’ve seen shy introverts transform and exude confidence with every acting lesson, as they strive to venture outside their comfort zone. It’s bringing the inner child out and shedding crippling inhibitions in the process, that helps people embrace a zest for living life to the max – a much more fulfilling experience, I dare say, than blending into the background like a wilted wall flower.”

Drama plays an active key role in self-development, insists Mr Farrugia. “Experts nowadays are keener to acknowledge the fact that people remember knowledge learnt through drama with less difficulty, while complex concepts are grasped quicker. Schools these days link drama to everyday teaching, that encompasses comprehensive curriculum subjects. It’s a good way to promote advancement in any chosen career path.”

Aspiring actors now have a better chance at tapping into opportunities that were not readily available when Mr Farrugia tried to make headway as a budding actor. To help give a leg up, Mr Farrugia went about setting a company specifically with the aim of helping to train and developing people, from all walks of life, to their full potential as aspiring actors.

“That’s only part of what we do,” explained Mr Farrugia. “As a company, another three directors and I, make sure our students get more mileage when it comes to choosing acting or modelling roles and are better equipped to face challenging situations. We’re here to help them crack onto the industry’s social scenario, helping students develop as actors and paving their way to meet the people who matter in show business to give exposure. Learning the ropes gives one a better deal in life and being in the right place at the right time helps aspirants secure roles by etching their mark through networking.”

Rendered popular by his debut role as Jesus Christ in passion plays, acted out for the past 13 years, Mr Farrugia showcased more of his natural acting abilities in other exciting roles such as the highly acclaimed Edmund in King Lear by William Shakespeare, Marcus in TV shows L-Evanġelisti and Sergio in Gizelle, with the latter role leading to the coveted award for best male lead actor at the Malta Television awards.

Mr Farrugia is now set to take centre stage in another upcoming production – Satira, penned by the revered Oreste Calleja and to be directed by Albert Marshall. The main story revolves around an individual who is rudely awakened to life’s harsh realities and exposes the Maltese way of life from behind an “unscrupulous” lens.

The acting company’s team is currently working around the clock, on a major project that’s set to hit our TV screens soon. It’s a new programme that will feature real life conflict situations, with the company actors playing the parts on behalf of the feuding parties. Professional legal advisers will be at hand, through lawyers who are contacted to brief the audience about the legal implications as they get to explain away technicalities. Viewers get a taste of speedy case resolutions, carrying straightforward verdicts that culminate in an out-of-court settlement.

“The company provides a springboard for young actors who wish to follow their dream. We aim at giving them a head start and are working to enter into possible agreements for student exchange programmes with foreign counterparts via professional acting schools abroad. If we pull through the agreements, our students will benefit from a myriad of golden opportunities,” reveals Mr Farrugia, eyes twinkling with youthful enthusiasm, by which time the incessant incoming mobile calls bring our conversation to a close.

Admittedly, acting may not be an easy career or a glamorous ride, especially in a small island such as Malta, but for those willing to devote time and energy, the chances to make it to the top rung of the ladder is more available now than ever before.

• Freespirit Acting is staging Satira today and tomorrow at MITP theatre. Performances start at 8 p.m. Tickets are available from St James Cavalier or by phoning 7970 2799 or 7944 1454.

www.freespiritacting.com