Historically, Malta has had a number of connections with the Italian island of Lampedusa. Not only is it geographically closer to our island than it is to any other part of Italy but the British forces even planned to make it part of Malta in the 19th century until Sir Thomas Maitland decided to withdraw the troops and stores stationed there because it presented little or no interest. It seems a minor historical fact, yet one that could have had significant implications in our island’s obligations towards migrants fleeing towards Europe from North Africa.
Anders Lustgarten’s powerful play is essentially two monologues that intertwine around the thorny reality of the 21th century – mass migration to Europe from Africa and the Middle East. It is a reality that is here to stay (at least for the foreseeable future) and one which Europe and its allies have directly or indirectly contributed towards.
He chronicles not only the grim start of a perilous journey across the Mediterranean, but also the equally grim reality that many eventually face in our urban wastelands
What is immediately striking about the play is Lustgarten’s choice of stories. The story of a former Lampedusian fisherman who now makes a living fishing out bodies of dead migrants and Denise a young mixed race Muslim girl from Leeds who is trying to make ends meet and finance her studies by working as a debt collector for a payday loan company. In this way, he chronicles not only the grim start of a perilous journey across the Mediterranean but also the equally grim reality that many eventually face in our urban wastelands.
This is what allows the play to transcend the historical and geographical setting and take on a global and timeless perspective. Herman Grech is well known for his strong, unapologetic stance as a journalist against the growing racism in our country and, as director, he shows himself in full control of this sensitive piece. He has allowed the powerful stories of the two protagonists to take centre stage. To this end, he had the benefit of two of the best actors on the local stage.
Mikhail Basmadjian plays Stefano the fisherman with equal doses of energy and pathos offering the audience a harrowing glimpse into the tragedy that regularly unfolds in the sea. His rapport with the audience was spot on and his storytelling precise and sincere. Pia Zammit’s confident stage presence and her skill at sustaining a Yorkshire accent made her character extremely credible as she gave the audience an unflinching and vivid portrayal of what it feels like to live as an outsider in the Europe that represents the dreams of so many migrants. This was possibly one of her best performances to date.
Despite their desperate circumstances, they experience the redemptive force of love and compassion stemming from the most unlikely of friendships.
Stefano befriends a young Malian refugee eagerly awaiting the arrival of his wife who still has to make the perilous journey, while Denise befriends one of her debtors, a single Portuguese mother who offers to share her meagre accommodation with Denise.
Once again, Unifaun has produced a high quality and bold production. Hats off to all the production team, particularly Romualdo Moretti and Chris Gatt for another excellent and evocative set and lighting design.