Taking arms up against an oppressor is nothing new. But seldomly has it been done in such an unusual and fun way as in the latest offering from local comedy specialists Mellow Drama called Love, Lust and Lynching in Fuente Ovejuna – an all-new comedy from the West End fringe, based on the classic drama by Spanish playwright Lope de Vega.
The play tells the true story of a small Spanish village that rose up against an evil commander back in 1476. Eventually, the villagers take matters into their own hands, plot their revenge and end up “collectively” murdering the commander. When questioned by the authorities, all they will say is that “the village did it”.
But, in true Mellow Drama style there will be nothing entirely serious about this version of the classic which involves water balloons, frisbees, toilet fresheners and plenty of audience participation, live music and singing. Love, Lust and Lynching in Fuente Ovejuna stars Stefan Cachia Zammit, Jean-Pierre Busuttil, Jo Caruana, Julia Calvert, David Chircop, Luke Farrugia, Alexandra Camilleri Warne, Alessandra Camilleri, Justin Mamo, Tyrone Grima, Alessandro Grech and Justin Camilleri. It is being directed by Wesley Ellul.
According to Mr Ellul, an interactive show quite like this one has never been experienced before in Malta.
“This show invites audiences to join in the playfulness of the actors and become co-villagers of Fuente Ovejuna,” he says enthusiastically. “They will be given the chance to sing, play, riot, lynch and even be tried with the townspeople of Fuente. Audience members can truly becoming part of the play and joining in proudly in chanting ‘Fuente Ovejuna did it!’”
Actress Jo Caruana is having a great time playing her character – one of the villagers.
“Laurencia is very, very headstrong, which, in the setting of the play, is rather unusual for a woman,” she says, “She’s something of an enigma to those around her, and determined to make a difference. Personally speaking, I feel comfortable playing the headstrong feminist; nevertheless it’s not an easy part to play and I am still getting into her head.”
Alexandra Camilleri Warne’s character Pascuala is a village girl who starts off as being meek and very much like the girls of her time but due to the events occurring in the village and under the influence of her best friend Laurencia she becomes stronger as the play goes along.
“I started off finding it difficult to play Pascuala because women nowadays are so empowered and I as a person never felt that I am inferior to my colleagues or friends who are male.
However, Pascuala changes over the course of the play and is not as meek as she starts off as and this transition is what making me grow fond of the character,” she admits.
Julia Calvert, who plays the Queen of Spain, says that, for her, the most difficult part of playing her character is trying out a Spanish accent with a lisp.
“It’s not as easy as it sounds... excuse the pun,” she laughs, “Try it for yourself! Even though I’m trying not to sound Japanese with two chopsticks in my mouth, Queen Isabella is great fun to portray, or should that be to play with.”
• Love, Lust and Lynching in Fuente Ovejuna is being performed at the MITP Theatre in Valletta tomorrow, Saturday and Sunday, November 26-28 and December 2-4 December. Tickets may be obtained online at www.ticketline.com.mt. For more information visit www.mellowdrama.com.mt or phone 2789 2789.