It’s been quite a few years since the last Burlesque themed show – what have you been up to?
After six years and 10 successful shows I decided it was time for Creative Island to take a break from cabaret and branch out into different areas. Last year we held an immersive theatre experience in the Wignacourt catacombs which was inspired by a coma patient’s recovery and I also produced a short film called Her Secrets in the Ocean. And for the future there are plenty new projects on the table.
What led to the decision to bring it back, in the shape of Apocalesque?
A strong motivation behind bringing back our show were the many ongoing, unsettling local affairs that have taken place over the past few months. As a group our strongest tool is our artistic voice. The show is inspired by a morbid view of a post-apocalyptic Malta that has been destroyed by greed and corruption. The only survivors are the filthy, nasty degenerates of society that create their own version of Maltese culture, one that is more chilling and gruesome than ever imaginable. Our approach is a comical, grungy, macabre and surreal one, yet all the work holds a very crucial underlying message.
What is the theme for this year’s edition?
A twisted cabaret held in an adult cinema in post-apocalyptic Malta.
Who’s on the line-up?
Many performers! Joseph Zammit, Alex Vella Gregory, Teodor Reljic, Veronica Stivala, Zicotron, Kevin Canter, Marie Claire Camilleri, Becky D’Ugo, Miriam Calleja, Undine Laverve, Pete Farrugia, Philip Leone Ganado, Nathan Brimmer, Coryse Borg, James Ryder, Svetlana Pandolfino, Victoria Tabone, Yasmin Ives and Michael Zarb Fenech. It is directed by myself and produced by Creative Island.
What is the biggest challenge in bringing together this kind of event?
The biggest complication by far is coordinating such a large group of people. Freelance artists all have busy schedules so planning rehearsals requires a degree in Mathematics. Another perplexing but fun part of the process is jigsawing all the weird and wonderful ideas together into one coherent narrative. And lastly, putting a show together on such a meagre budget is a big challenge, but it also brings us closer together and forces us to be more inventive.
I’m sure there are shenanigans aplenty – can you share some funny anecdotes from past editions?
There are so many memorable sketches that will remain with me till my dying days. The drunk magician who accidentally sawed off his assistant’s head, the Maltese widow who tried to conjure up her husband’s spirit and had a stream of weirdos coming through her living-room, the time-travelling toilet, the insane captain with a dungeon of freaks and perverts, the techno version of the Rosary, the soprano in drag… the list is endless!
What made you pick this particular venue?
Due to the nature of the event, it just had to happen in our Malta’s capital for culture. City Lights seems to capture the spirit of a post-apocalyptic Malta. Parts of it are run down and in need of restoration and it has that dingy, yet characterful old feel to it which I love. All the photography was taken there and they really capture the essence of the place.
Apocalesque! shows at City Lights, Valletta, from May 18 to 20 at 8pm. For tickets visit http://www.creativeisland.com.mt/events/apocalesque/