The Malta Independent on Sunday
Black Mountain: a tale of romance gone awry
MIKHAIL BASMADJIAN, ANTONELLA AXISA and ERICA MUSCAT will star in MADC’s production of ‘Black Mountain’, a gripping tale of romance in crisis under the direction of
Black Mountain, written by award-winning playwright Brad Birch, follows Paul and Rebecca to an isolated house in the country where they have gone to work on their flailing relationship.
Well-respected actors Mikhail Basmadjian and Antonella Axisa will be taking on the roles of Paul and Rebecca, the couple around whom the play centres. It is clear that Paul has somehow wronged Rebecca and she blames him for the troubles they are facing. “Rebecca feels her life crumble when Paul turns out to be a different person from the one she thought she knew,” explains Axisa. “Forgiving and forgetting might be an option for some, but not for Rebecca. She needs fairness and goes all out to get the justice she thinks she deserves.”
Basmadjian, measuring his words carefully, feels some degree of sympathy for Paul. “Paul is a complex character. He’s a compulsive liar and cannot help himself,” he says. “However, he seems to be genuinely trying to save his relationship with Rebecca and is ready to endure the psychological, mental and emotional pain she inflicts on him.”
The production of this psychological drama will be Adrian Buckle’s professional debut as a director, a role he has been eyeing for some time. “When I founded Unifaun Theatre Company, I had the intention to direct, but producing took up all my time and energy,” he confesses. “So being given this opportunity by MADC is wonderful. I hope to make this production a feather in their cap.”
Buckle’s directing style is democratic, aiming to bring out the best of every actor. Since the play only has three characters, the production process has been collaborative and intimate. “The three actors are a blast,” Buckle says. “We love to pool in ideas and have really made the production our own. I am also lucky to count myself a friend of the author, so he is only a WhatsApp message away whenever we need to consult him.”
Seasoned actor Erica Muscat, who will be playing Helen, the third character in the play, only has praise for Birch’s work. “There is a musicality to Brad’s text, almost like a fine piece of jazz, with characters riffing off of each other in growing and falling crescendos,” she beams. “If nothing else, Mikhail and Antonella, under Adrian’s sensitive direction, are stunning to watch.”
Black Mountain is full of tension, which the production team will also be creating with a set by Romualdo Moretti. “He has created another enthralling masterpiece,” says Buckle of the set designer. “Unfortunately, due to Covid-19 restrictions, we could not use it exactly as designed, but it’s a small price to pay for getting audiences back to the theatre in the safest way possible.”
The long-awaited return of live performances feels like a homecoming
to actors. “It’s so difficult to explain the sense of peace that washes over me when I’m on stage,” ponders Muscat. “Sharing stories is the most ancient communal experience I can think of and sharing the story of Black Mountain after the oppressive silence and isolation of the pandemic is so exciting.”
Although a night at the theatre is certainly something to look forward to, Black Mountain is one of those plays that beg to be dissected and discussed over drinks after the show. “It poses a question that needs to be debated once it has been asked, and I think it will offer catharsis to anybody who has experienced any form of betrayal in their life, which is most of us,” says Muscat. “Let’s also not forget this is a psychological drama, and who doesn’t enjoy being on the edge of their seat every once in a while?”
‘
Black Mountain’ will run from 3 to 13 December at MADC
Clubrooms, Santa Venera. Tickets must be booked online in advance at www.madc.com.mt. This play is suitable for audiences aged 16 and over. According to current national guidelines as regards Covid-19, patrons must present a valid
Covid-19 vaccine certificate at the door, while masks must be worn at all times, except when eating and drinking. No tickets will be printed or sold at the door. Drinks and snacks are also available for purchase online at the time of booking.