BAXX BAXX to open at the Manoel

The highly anticipated debut of Baxx Baxx by theatre production company Grokk Teatru will premiere this weekend at Manoel Theatre, Valletta, from 20 to 22 July. The show sees an array of local talent joining forces to portray an amalgamation of short stories Kulħadd ħalla isem warajh by renowned Maltese author Clare Azzopardi. Teatru Manoel and Grokk Teatru have collaborated to put on these limited three-day performances.

Exploring the theme of ‘obsession’, the play sees four key characters’ lives entwine over individual obsessions. “Some characters are obsessed with material objects, others relations, and others lose their obsessions and obsess over obsessing,” adds André Agius, creative director.

The production draws stark parallels to modern-day life in Malta, as well as containing a number of cultural references. But what happens when these characters’ lives are turned upside down by a drastic change in their ordinary lives? Obsession stands out in their relationships and their perspective of life alters according to the changes happening.

With Azzopardi’s blessing, the team was able to twist the original works to create this unique performance. The surreal multilevel set is cleverly designed, inspired by a traditional village piazza, with a modern dystopian edge. “Symbolically, the layers and levels echo the buildings commonly seen in the centre of our village squares,” notes fellow director Antonella Mifsud. “It’s very much a living production,” she adds. The show has been over a year in the making, with gruelling rehearsals taking place since May.

“Everybody has had the chance to offer their input; the script has been constantly changing; no one person is accountable; we have worked very well as a team,” adds actor Benjamin Abela. Benjamin has an excellent acting record, appearing as a lead role in Studio 18’s production ‘Dear Pete’ last year.

One element augmenting this production is the excellent music written by Luke Cucciardi. This is much more than a series of musical interludes, but a veritable musical score underlining the various scenes and giving the whole piece a raw musical backdrop on which the tales of obsession unfold.

Baxx Baxx is a production by Teatru Manoel in collaboration with Grokk Teatru, directed by Antonella Mifsud and André Agius. Featuring: Stephen Mintoff, Monique Dimech Genuis, Benjamin Abela and Raquel Theuma. Movement Direction by Kostas Papamatthaiakis. Sound Creation by Luke Cucciardi. Production Management and Photography by Emma Micallef. Production Design and Stage Management by Matthew Cassar. The three performances start at 9pm and take place at Teatru Manoel on 21, 22 and 23 July.