Robert Anderson's I Never Sang for My Father, a play devoted to the prickly relationship between an aging father and his grown son, is MADC's next appointment at the Manoel Theatre.

Directed by Harry Borg, the production focuses on a family and the love and obligations that bind them together. It is touching and relevant to all age groups, especially those who may have experienced similar issues in their own relationships.

Godwin Scerri plays Tom Garrison, a self-made man, successful in business and politics, who eventually became mayor of a suburban New York community. It is hard for him to let go of that status as he refuses to acknowledge, let alone accept, the reality of his aging.

Tom has always had trouble relating to his children and in fact banished his daughter from the house for marrying a Jew.

His son Gene, played by Mikhail Basmadjian (picture), is a recently widowed university professor who feels that he has never been fully accepted by his self-made dad, while Tom has trouble empathising with Gene's grief, even after the death of his own wife.

Tom's failing health increases his emotional and physical needs, leaving Gene with the responsibility of having a father on his hands just at a time when he wants to remarry.

With his mother's death, Gene's need to establish a relationship with his father becomes more acute. Is it still possible for him to "sing" for his father - to understand and be understood, to give the love he so wants to give, and to be accepted and appreciated by a father who cannot love?

The cast includes Marylu Coppini as the mother, Ninette Micallef (picture) as the sister, together with John Marinelli, Colin Willis and Graham Arnold. Also taking part are Louise Azzopardi, Ingrid Vella and Lino Mallia.

Staged between March 31 and April 2, booking is now open at the Manoel Theatre booking office on 2124 6389.

Discounts are available for patrons booking for both I Never Sang for My Father and MADC's April production of Steven Berkoff's black comedy Kvetch, with Alan Montanaro, Isabel Warrington, Vanessa Attard, Edward Degaetano and Chris Grech.

Further details are available from www.teatrumanoel.com and www.madc.biz.