Dù Theatre’s creative minds speak to Iggy Fenech about Fly Flynn, a bedside puppet show as part of Żigużajg arts festival that is sure to bring smiles to the faces of those who need it most.

They say that you never forget your first time and for me, when it comes to theatre, that’s very true.

The first play I ever saw was Dù Theatre’s rendition of Medea. I think I was about 19 years old then, but even through the drama and the gore of the play, I felt like a child being taken into a whole new world.

Undoubtedly, Dù and its team have come a long way since then. Now, the company is taking a step in another direction, one that will not only see the team giving a different kind of show, but one that will also see them bringing joy to the children at Mater Dei’s Rainbow Ward.

The piece, entitled Fly Flynn, is a puppet show about a young and awkward flamingo who gets caught in a tree while flying with his family.

In pain, scared and lonely, he goes on a journey to learn how to fly again, only to discover a world he would have otherwise flown over.

Dù Theatre’s Simone Spiteri, Franica Pulis and Magda Van Kuilenburg told me all about the inspiration behind it.

“I’ve always wanted to volunteer as a helper in children’s hospital wards,” says Spiteri.

“Then, about a year ago, I came across an announcement asking for helpers willing to spend a few hours in the cancer treatment wards, just to play with children and help put a smile on their faces during such difficult times.

“My first instinct was to answer immediately and just turn up. Then, I realised that I could offer more, and sat down and thought about how my theatre work and experience could be taken to the children who, given the physical and time constraints that come with illness, wouldn’t be able to go themselves. If the mountain can’t go to Muhammad, then take Muhammad to the mountain, as they say.”

“We quickly set up meetings between Żigużajg and the Rainbow Ward, and we’ve been working on the idea and logistics of the piece since then,” says Pulis.

“I would say that the main aim of the project is to both give a sense of hope through the narrative and to also create a space for these children (and those taking care of them or keeping them company) to simply enjoy themselves, laugh and be entertained at a time when lightheartedness might not be as easy to come by.

“Fly Flynn is yet another new step for us on many levels,” adds Van Kuilenburg.

“The intended age group is the youngest we have catered for yet, and we are relying on inanimate objects which have to bring the story to life.

“We also, and perhaps more importantly, have to do justice to these sensitive issues without losing the sense of fun that should engage a young audience.

We have to do justice to sensitive issues without losing the sense of fun

“The ups so far have certainly been the amazing response and support we’ve had from fellow colleagues who offer their encouragement as soon as we tell them what we’re working on.

“The downs, if they may qualify as such, are probably the hours and hours of head-scratching, trying to figure out how to build the puppets, creating a multi-purpose moving trolley and also trying to approach the narrative in the best way possible in a manner that it appeals to different ages and is simultaneously specific and universal in its themes.”

“My feeling, however, is that none of these ‘ups’ or ‘downs’ will hold a candle to how we will feel once we actually start pushing that trolley from one hospital room to another. I’m sure it’ll be equally euphoric as it will be heart-wrenching, and that’s all the more reason to persevere and come up with the best piece possible,” says Pulis.

“Even so, I don’t think you can ever be ready for something like this. I’ll be happy if we manage to make our audience smile and, perhaps, forget – even if just for a few minutes – about the hardships they must face at such a tender age.

“I’ll be happier still if the same applies to those taking care of them, as they need as much encouragement, hope and smiles.

“I’m sure that it will be hard for us to keep smiling when faced with any person who is in pain, let alone if they are children, but we are doing our best to be as psychologically prepared as we can be, and we will hope-fully transport our audience along with Flynn as he learns how to fly again.”

Fly Flynn will also be doing the rounds at St James’ Cavalier as part of Żigużajg, the annual and international children’s and young adults’ arts festival that has cemented its status as the most important happening of its kind for youths in Malta.

“I honestly believe that Żigużajg is the best thing to have happened to Maltese theatre in the last few years,” says Spiteri.

“I’m sure that many before me have highlighted the importance of introducing the young to the arts and the benefits they will reap because of this throughout their lives. I truly believe that Żigużajg has contributed to this immensely.

Fly Flynn is a puppet, bedside theatre project by Dù Theatre in collaboration with Puttinu, the Rainbow Ward at Mater Dei and Żigużajg. It is suitable for both a hospital environment as well as for family audiences.

www.ziguzajg.org