The People Next Door, a dark comedy dealing with perceptions of terrorist threats in light of the multicultural societies of today, looks at people’s inability to deal with this fact about society and how it might actually be a bigger problem than the terrorist threats themselves.

Written by Henry Adams in the six weeks directly after September 11, 2001, the play was first performed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2003 and went on to win the Fringe First, among other awards.

The story centres on a young man, Nigel (Andre Agius), a drug user with a mental condition who lives on social benefits in his own little world. Nigel’s bubble soon bursts as he is confronted by psychotic Phil (Alan Paris), a corrupt, drug-wielding police officer who is on a mission.

Phil needs Nigel to track down his long lost brother, Karim, who is now a wanted terrorist. Phil’s intentions are far from pure. He is doing all this to feed his overactive ego and maybe even get promoted in the process.

Nigel’s neighbours, Mrs Mac (Marylu Coppini) and Marco (Matthew Ben Attard), add another dimension to the plot. Mrs Mac’s take on the whole situation brings the views of an older generation to this topical subject, and Marco’s character grounds Nigel enough to set him on the right track.

What ensues is a dark comedy that deals in topicalities through a bizarre plot, switching from serious political statements to the downright farcical in a heartbeat.

The play is directed by Steve Casaletto.

• The People Next Door is being staged at Blue Box, M Space, Msida (opposite Junior College) on Friday, Saturday and Sunday and February 20, 21 and 22 at 8pm.

Tickets may be obtained online from www.mellowdrama. com.mt, www. bluebox.com.mt or by calling 7979 3737.