Sisyphean Quick Fix by Bettina Paris

The narrative follows two sisters – Krista in London, and Pip in Malta – as they begin to realise the severity of their father’s drinking habits. As the pressures of caring for a person struggling with a substance use problem puts a strain on their lives, it tests their close relationship with each other and the people around them. Sisyphean Quick Fix is a poignant, funny and moving comedy drama, that takes in the peaks and troughs of caring for a loved one, and the pull of responsibility for migrants when there are complications back home.  

It is directed by Nicky Allpress, who received 4 & 5 star reviews in the UK’s national press for her recent work on Neil Labute’s The Shape of Things at the Park Theatre in London (“Nicky Allpress’s slick production” ☆☆☆☆ The Guardian) and co-produced by Vikesh Godhwani, who recently directed the sell-out hit Mid-Djarju Ta’ Student Fi Skola tal-Knisja, by Jamie Cardona. Sisyphean Quick Fix will have its run on Maltese shores at Theatre Next Door, before making its international debut at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, at the Pleasance this August. 

Featuring performances from seasoned actors Bettina Paris & Tina Rizzo, Sisyphean Quick Fix represents Paris’s debut as a writer. The play has been in development for four years and has received developmental support from top new writing hubs in London including Theatre503 and the Omnibus Theatre. The production includes sound design by Matteo Depares, set design by Matthew Cassar and light design by Chris Gatt. 

The play is also one of the 180 winners of the Keep it Fringe fund, chosen out of 749 applications. The fund is led by established actor and writer Phoebe Waller-Bridge, who is also the honorary President of the Fringe Society.

Writer and performer Bettina Paris said, “Sisyphean Quick Fix came from a want to give a voice to the multiple causalities of the disease by putting those living with a person struggling with addiction at the centre of the story, whilst sharing a message of hope for the future, especially for those in similar situations, in the sisters’ united compassion. 

The play’s run will also see a collaboration with local charity Aġenzija Sedqa, Malta’s primary agency that works to prevent drug and alcohol abuse, as well as care for the users and their families. Following each performance, a Q&A will be held with a representative from Aġenzija Sedqa and Paris, to raise awareness on the topic the play tackles and to shed light on the resources available locally to help families struggling with similar issues. 

Sisyphean Quick Fix will be staged at Theatre Next Door on June 13th, 14th, 15th and 16th. All ticket sales will contribute to the play’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe run. For more information, and to book your tickets, visit www.tnd.com.mt. This project is supported by the Keep it Fringe fund.