From dazzling scripts to tech-savvy techniques, Jo Caruana discovers Adult Entertainment, the show that sheds hilarious light on the adult film industry.

Have you ever wondered what the stars of the adult entertainment world do when the going gets tough? Perhaps when there aren’t any exciting new projects for them to sink their teeth into, or when age inevitably catches up with them and they’re no longer in demand?

No, I’d never given it much thought either.

But, two-time Academy Award-nominated screenwriter Elaine May, whose pen is behind movie hits likeThe Birdcage and Primary Colours, has clearly been thinking about it. Her play Adult Entertainment, written in 2002, takes a very close look at the pornography industry and tells the story of five porn actors who decide to take their careers into their own hands.

And now that show is coming to Malta, produced by the MADC and starring a cast of well-known names that includes Isabel Warrington, Kate De Cesare, Katherine Brown, Stefan Cachia Zammit, Stefan Farrugia and Philip Leone Ganado. The play is being directed by Marylu Coppini, and the accompanying original score was created by Louiselle Vassallo.

Coppini came across the script while browsing through Samuel French’s lists of plays and was attracted by what seemed to be a good title.

“I bought it and loved the unusual subject,” she says with a smile. “I loved the integration of the vulnerable with the ridiculous, and the songs with naughty lyrics are thrown in for good measure. Plus, there’s a mention of Malta, which can only be a good thing!”

The story tells of six adult video veterans brought together by the death of a renowned director. The meeting inspires them to strike out on their own and make an art film.

“When their first script doesn’t quite live up to their pretentious expectations, they nominate a cameraman with a Yale degree to take another chance,” continues Coppini. “But events quickly take a crazy turn when he insists the actors first brush up on some literary classics (including everything from Greek mythology to Susan Sontag), kick-starting a wild educational process for everyone involved. It really is very entertaining.”

Coppini, who has played a very active role in the MADC’s history, including as chairperson and artistic director over the years, explains that the club is still eager to include a variety of genres in its repertoire – hence the production of shows like this.

“Alongside the club’s traditional annual pantomime and Shakespeare productions, we have always been keen to offer our audiences a plethora of choices. This is also evident through our One Act Play Festival, held annually in September, which has regularly included original works.”

Adult Entertainment slots neatly into the season, and it was only written a decade ago, making it rather current in cultural terms.

The play has livened up the club with pole-dancing antics, fishnet tight-clad actresses and all the fun of a porno-making studio. Has the topic ever felt odd or awkward?

“The theme being what it is, rehearsals are brilliant,” says actress Kate De Cesare, who recently starred in the MADC’s production of Secret Bridesmaids’ Business. “Everything is very tongue in cheek so thankfully, there have been no awkward moments or cringe-worthy moments... yet!

The show integrates the vulnerable with the ridiculous, while songs with naughty lyrics are thrown in for good measure!

“As for the role itself, well, I love accepting parts where the character is so very different to your own,” she continues. “Despite what one may think I’m a bit of a prude really, so getting to play the part of a porn-star and late night talk show host is loads of fun. I have no doubt that audiences are going to enjoy it.”

Adult Entertainment shows on Friday, Saturday and next Sunday and on March 14 - 16 and 21 - 23 at St James Cavalier.

www.sjcav.org