Adrian Buckle, Unifaun Theatre Productions' artistic director and emerging playwright, is being mentored by top international playwright Brad Fraser, thanks to a project funded by the Professional Development Grant, managed by the Arts Council Malta.

Mr Fraser, who hails from Canada, is a critically-acclaimed playwright and screenwriter, responsible for TV shows like Queer as Folk, and plays like True Love Lies.  

Known for his cutting-edge theatre, Buckle has pushed the envelope with most of his productions and introduced Maltese audiences to playwrights like Edward Bond, Philip Ridley, Mark Ravenhill, Anthony Neilson and Sarah Kane.

Last February, Buckle debuted as a playwright with the play Unintended.

He will be working on under Fraser's wing in a play tentatively titled Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?

“It is the story of a spirit, a sort of guardian angel, who must guide his ward in a very difficult and controversial decision. The theme is abortion. Obviously, lots of my Catholic upbringing is reflected in the play, but then I have a knack for the controversial and my understanding of the issue is not necessarily the same as that held by Church and State.”

Fraser’s input to the project is to mentor Buckle in honing his abilities to improve his handling of characterisation, dialogue and plot.