The young and the restless

This is your final showcase. Do you feel any extra pressure with this production?

Vikesh Godhwani: I wouldn’t call it extra pressure, but more excitement since it’s going to have a greater audience due to the fact that it’s running for three nights. Personally, I feel the same amount of pressure for every production because no matter how big or small it is, I want every single audience member to get their time and money’s worth. The fact that many people are showing interest in Heartbreak Beautiful makes it all the more exciting and worthwhile.
 
How would you describe the run up to the production? Does the fact that the story is about young people like yourselves make it more or less challenging?

Alexander Gatesy Lewis: Now the heat is on! Lots of hard work, excitement and polishing are in progress… the great fun and synergy shared between the actors is overwhelming! I can easily relate to the story, as I am experiencing most of the hot issues involved at the moment. This challenges me more to interpret my character to convey my true emotions as a teenage actor.

Joseph Zammit: Well, technically on a personal aspect, I am portraying a character within a group of people who are younger than me. Not by much, but still younger. So for me it is a bit of a challenge to go a bit back in time, but that is after all, what acting is.

Do you think the script (and, of course, your production of it) would be attractive to people of your age who would not normally visit the theatre?

Emma Marie Attard: The sheer humour and comic timing of this play would entertain anyone! It is truly a brilliantly written script by Christopher William Hill and I would urge anyone – especially adolescents and young adults – to come watch.

Jeanelle Caruana: It’s a fun show! There’s great comedy and despite touching on some serious topics, it’s done so in a gentle manner which doesn’t bring the play down. The play is about things most people go through in some way or another, so even if someone isn’t a theatre fanatic there’s a situation or a character that can relate to everyone.

What drove you towards theatre, and how do you think awareness about it can be improved on the island, when it comes to your peers?

James Camilleri: I think it was a variety of things that drove me to theatre, but mostly the fact that both my parents have a history in it. Once I began at Masquerade many years ago, I discovered that being quite a flamboyant character I had a knack for theatrics (as any if my friends will tell you while rolling their eyes).

As for spreading the word about theatre, I think the most important thing is to remind everyone that theatre is, above all things, fun.
Besides the boatload of social benefits – confidence and quick thinking, and many more – and the historical education, acting is just generally a really fun thing to do. Many people overlook this.

The rest of the cast includes Daniel Galea, Thomas Galea, Harley Mallia, Amy Marsh, Ariane Micallef Borg, Martina Rizzo and Iana Said. All shows start at 20:00.  Tickets can be booked through Masquerade by sending an email to [email protected] or by calling 79 793737.  

For more information please log on to www.masquerademalta.com.