Trevor Zahra and Alex Vella Gregory, writer and composer of the upcoming Il-Madonna Tiegħi Aħjar minn Tiegħek production respectiverly, speak to The Sunday Times of Malta about what’s going on behind the scenes of this bombastic operetta.

Tell us about the first time you heard about Il-Madonna Tiegħi Aħjar minn Tiegħek.

Trevor – I still recall when Teatru Malta artistic director Sean Buhagiar first approached me and discussed the possibility of producing an operetta about rivalling villages that celebrate feasts dedicated to the Holy Mary.

This was, and still is, a subject that interests me greatly, like all things that are in any way related to folklore and Maltese traditions. When he then mentioned the possibility of Alex Vella Gregory composing the piece, I was even more interested. I already knew Alex well, as we had worked together before so I didn’t need much more convincing.

Alex – Sean Buhagiar had spoken to me about this years ago. It must have been at least three years ago. It was an exciting idea, not only in terms of the subject matter but also the concept of an operetta with wind band. I cannot recall the exact place – I’m suspecting there was wine involved! 

This production clearly took a considerable amount of research and conversation between the both of you to create; describe the process.

Trevor – At the very beginning everything was very much up in the air, but I can’t stress how important it was that we were all on the same creative wave length.

Though the idea already existed, it was up to us to turn it into a reality. We started by sharing ideas, styles, and forms we wanted this production to take, both in terms of writing as well as music but most of all what we discussed was the end goal, the final product.

Alex – Well I’m a festa-freak. I love festa culture because it embodies the totality of human experience. It brings together so many different elements, from religious ritual, to community pride, and a sense of celebration. Right from the start I was working alongside Trevor and Simon Vella Gregory (who was the researcher on the team) to create a work that brings together this complex subject.

We are not attempting to recreate an event or set of events but rather to create a story that is above all human.

Yes, of course, there are rivalries in festa, but when the need arises, people come together for a common cause. We have not only examined written records (such as news items and court cases), but also personal anecdotes and humorous stories. This also involved talking to many different people involved in festas. The best part was that throughout the process we continued giving our input in order to enrich the production.

Describe your creative process.

Trevor – Sean really managed to gather a group of creatives that understood the essence of this production and most importantly, the inner workings of the quintessential Maltese band club.

Mary Rose Mallia

Even though I am coming from a village that takes its annual feast very seriously, I still felt like I needed to know more, and dig deeper.

The research done was extensive in order for me to make sure that all that I was writing was based on an authentic Maltese pulse.

It needed to feel authentic so that audiences could relate to it, and we made sure of it. When we had enough information, both Alex and myself began to structure the operetta together, and every time I’d finish a scene or two I’d make sure to run it by Alex to make sure both the music and the narrative were being developed in unison.

Alex – Well first I listen. What is the story about? What do people have to say about it? Who are the characters in the story? A musical score is not just about nice melodies or catchy choruses. It is not even about profound truths. After all music can be both fun and serious.

Once I understood the subject matter, then I started sketching ideas. I was literally re-reading the script over and over again, jotting down remarks and ideas.

I was lucky in that Trevor is supremely gifted with the Maltese language.

His lyrics guided me towards the right sound. In the end, the actual writing only took a couple of weeks. Believe me, it takes longer to prepare the parts than to compose them!

Why is this production so relatable to a Maltese audience?

Trevor – Festa culture in Malta, is still very much alive. Not only is it alive but it’s at the heart of many a Maltese community.

Even though I personally find very little to no religious elements left in the feasts celebrated today, I still feel that they form a pivotal part of our folklore and traditions.

I’m convinced that the audiences are going to be able to relate to many a character and storyline, because they’ve most probably experienced it before.

Although this is definitely a larger than life operetta it still retains that Maltese authenticity of today.

Alex – We are a small country; we live with each other constantly. Rivalries are within our nature (think football!) as is a sense of drama. We are prone to rash judgements and then lengthy rethinks (which is what happens in the operetta!)

Who would you consider to be your favourite character from the production?

Trevor – My favorite character would probably have to be Iz-Zija Katya, because she’s very exuberant and outspoken as well as faithful to her band club and beliefs.

So there’s a duality to her that I find very intriguing. She’s no one’s fool I can assure you, and she’s definitely capable of manipulating anyone to get what she wants out of them.

Alex – Tough one! I have to choose both Grandpa Fred and Katya. One is a grumpy old man and the other a zealous busybody.

Both are equally committed to their cause, and when they join forces, they rally everyone behind them and outwit even the Vatican! Also, having them played by Joe Cortis and Mary Rose Mallia is a dream!

Il-Madonna Tiegħi Aħjar Minn Tiegħek runs between December 8 and 16 at the Parish Theatre in Vittoriosa. It is made possible with the support of the Valletta 2018 Foundation, Aġenzija Żgħażagħ and The National Association of Band Clubs.

Visit www.teatrumalta.org.mt or call 21220255 for more information!