What is love? What role does intimacy play? Is there any purpose for betrayal in a relationship? 

The lives of four individuals intertwine as they explore the modern concept of love in Closer. Photos: Chris Sant Fournier

These are some of the questions the audience attending Masquerade’s staging of the award-winning play Closer in the coming days might ask. 

Written by British playwright Patrick Marber, the story follows characters Dan, Alice, Anna and Larry as they explore the modern concept of love. Their lives intertwine as they struggle to find true intimacy.

Closer was first performed in London in 1997, starring Clive Owen and Ciarán Hinds in the male roles together with Liza Walker and Sally Dexter. Two years later, it opened on Broadway, starring Rupert Graves, Anna Friel, Natasha Richardson and Hinds.

It received rave reviews and the best play award at the 1998 Oliver Awards and the 1999 New York Drama Critics’ Circle Awards. 

Among the words of praise received, the New York Magazine wrote: “A sad, savvy, often funny play that casts a steely, unblinking gaze at the world of relationships and lets you come to your conclusions. Closer does not merely hold your attention; it burrows into you.”

And Variety pointed out: “The play’s dialogue has a raw emotionality rarely heard in art or life. It cuts like broken glass… full of bitter, intelligent, unvarnished truth.”

The show gained more international fame through the 2004 film adaptation by Mike Nichols, starring Natalie Portman, Jude Law, Julia Roberts and Clive Owen, who took on a different role than in the original stage production.

The local version, directed by Anthony Bezzina, stars well-known actors Mikhail Basmadjian, Jean-Marc Cafà, Nadia Vella and Alexandra Camilleri Warne.

“I would say the play is both hilarious and dramatic,” the director said.

“Closer has remained popular the world over as it mirrors how millions of people today experience romance, jealousy, love, passion and betrayal.

“It is an especially interesting piece for audiences because some of them already have perceptions of it, based on the film. I have no doubt that many people will be able to identify themselves in part of it, or perhaps even in all of it.”

Speaking about the staging, Mr Bezzina explained that a cinemascope screen has been placed at the back of the theatre. 

“This will help take the audience through the four-year time span that the production covers in a couple of hours,” he pointed out.

The director has also opted for a minimalist set, with three large silver platforms and flooring to match. This gives the light design a chiaroscuro effect, while maintaining the intensity of the scenes on the screen at the back.

Closer is being performed at Blue Box – M Space, Oscar Zammit Street, Msida, tonight and tomorrow and on February 8, 9, and 10. 

All shows start at 8pm and are suitable for mature audiences only. Tickets are available from www.masquerademalta.com.