With the discussion on IVF firmly on the national agenda, Jo Caruana speaks to theatre producer Adrian Buckle about his upcoming play, A Number, to discover what insight it could lend the debate.
Theatre has a huge role to play when it comes to highlighting current affairs. From light-hearted jibes at political figures, to more hard-hitting examinations of societal issues, the arts definitely have the power to help us see things in new ways.
A Number really fits in with Unifaun’s ethos to produce good plays that are relevant to today’s world and society
With that in mind, Adrian Buckle, the man behind well-known theatre company Unifaun, explains that his choice to produce Caryl Churchill’s A Number is intrinsically linked to ongoing discussions on in-vitro fertilisation in Malta. “This play is about IVF, which is such a hot topic at the moment. I just couldn’t resist the temptation. However it is about an extreme form of IVF – human cloning,” he says.
The story follows a heavy drinking and abusive father who decides to clone his four-year-old son after losing his wife to suicide two years earlier. Once the cloning is complete, he abandons his son to start afresh with the new boy. This second child grows up oblivious to all this until, one day, at the age of 35, he accidentally discovers that there are other clones of him running around. At this point, he confronts his father, who explains the situation.
“This is when we meet the original son, who is now a 40-year-old criminal,” Buckle continues. “Things get tense and the play develops into a psychological thriller in which the characters are engaged in a chess game, beating each other at every move.
“But it doesn’t stop there – it is also about identity and parenthood. After all, who creates identity? Is it our nature or the way we are nurtured? Is it our genes or the way we are brought up? Is it our friends? Is it our society? The questions are endless.”
This 80-minute play is written by controversial playwright Caryl Churchill, who is best known for her use of non-naturalistic techniques, as well as feminist themes, the abuses of power and sexual politics.
“I can’t believe this is going to be the first of her works to be produced in Malta,” says Buckle.
“I’ve read some of her others – Far Away, Top Girls and Vinegar Tom, and they all swept me off my feet with their language and visuals.
“But this one really hit the mark for me and I believe it really fits in with Unifaun’s ethos to produce good plays that are relevant to today’s world and society.”
The rest of the team behind this production will also bring extensive skills to it. Well-known actors John Suda and Mikhail Basmadjian will both need to bring immense strength and flexibility to the parts.
“Rehearsals have largely been about improvising and reacting – there’s no blocking and, as a result, the results are already very earnest and true,” Buckle says.
Meanwhile, director Chris Gatt has been keeping the actors on their feet. “He brings an approach that no other director can bring. He understands the text so well and, under his guidance, the acting is always new.
“He is definitely getting the best out of both men, especially as they are so different.”
Visually, Buckle explains that the production will be performed in the round, increasing the feeling on intimacy. “It’s an actor’s play, so it’s all about them. Both Suda and Basmadjian are setting new milestones of excellence and versatility, by interpreting the roles so differently within minutes of each other.
“The results are very impressive and the play will doubtlessly charm anyone who has great theatre at heart. It will also appeal to anyone with a keen eye on current affairs, such as IVF. I believe it has a lot to contribute to the debate, which is why we have invited numerous ministers and high-profile individuals to come to watch it.”
Finally, Buckle believes the play will slot neatly into this year’s theatre season. “It provides some balance among the comedies, farces and pantomimes that will be on show over the next few months,” he says.
“With A Number, the entertainment won’t be comical but very intellectually challenging. This is a tragedy of Shakespearean proportions, even if it is much shorter.
“And it’s nasty – probably even nastier than two of the other plays I produced, Blasted and Mercury Fur. But it is entertainment nonetheless.”
A Number will be performed at St James Cavalier on Friday, Saturday and Sunday and on October 21, 26, 27 and 28. Tickets are €15 (€12 for the first night).
www.sjcav.org