The Community Theatre Group within the Malta Drama Centre is next Monday presenting an experimental project aimed at provoking discussion on a ‘pungent’ issue.
The theme chosen for Il-Vuċi, the theatrical project being presented at the Malta Drama Centre in Blata l-Bajda, is mental health.
In the 21st century, mental health is still considered a taboo, despite the fact that societies are becoming increasingly complex, life more stressful, and social cohesion is on the decline, with more and more people leading solitary lives.
“Although mental health is usually associated with Mount Carmel Hospital, the vast majority of people with such problems – a large chunk of the population – are in the community,” said Manuel Cassar, tutor at the Malta Drama Centre.
“It was chosen because we felt this subject is still taboo in this country and is only discussed behind closed doors, to the detriment of those who are going through these problems.”
The drama centre met John Cachia, commissioner for mental health and older persons, to assist actors in the realistic creation of the characters.
On the director’s advice, the actors developed two characters each, one with mental problems and another character which the society deems ‘normal’.
“We weaved these characters together thus bringing about interesting and realistic situations,” continued Cassar.
We felt this subject [mental health]is still taboo in this country and only discussed behind closed doors
The story revolves around 18 characters interpreted by nine actors. Each actor gives a portrayal of two characters thus bringing to light the buried emotions of those going through such problems and the effect on those in contact with them. The audience will be led by the characters to different scenes such as their working places and their living space.
“We want this work to be thought-provoking. What happens when a person in a high ranking position is afflicted by mental problems?
“Is he capable of performing well in his job? What does society in general think of those living on social benefits because of their mental problems? Is our society judgemental or accepting?
“We will be meeting family members who are at a loss on how to be of help. Is help available? Do they know where to look for help?
What happens when even family members refuse to face the reality of the situation?
“Many claim that today’s lifestyle is stressful. Is this true? Is this lifestyle affecting everyone negatively? Are we really living in an insensitive society?,” adds Cassar.
The main aim of this production is to create a discussion. The audience will be invited to discuss what is being presented and even to take the place of an actor and change the situation presented to them, turning the spectator into a spect-actor, a technique of Brazilian theatre director Augusto Boal.
• Il-Vuċi is being presented at the Drama Centre in Blata l-Bajda on Monday at 6.30pm. Entrance is free.