In an exciting start to the year for Malta’s theatrical scene, the MADC and Teatru Manoel have teamed up to stage Oscar Wilde’s classic masterpiece The Importance of Being Earnest. This witty comedy sees its main protagonists invent fictitious alter-egos to escape the rigours of Victorian society, only to have to face the consequences. It is at once a farcical piece of theatre and a sharp commentary of the social mores of its time.
The play is directed by Malcolm Galea and stars Davide Tucci, Edward Caruana Galizia, Maxine Aquilina, Michela Farrugia, Marylu Coppini, Isabel Warrington, Michael Mangion, Martin Azzopardi and Edward Thorpe.
“Jack Worthing is a young man who tries to live his life as best as he can,” says popular actor Davide Tucci of his character.
“He is required to set a good example for his ward Cecily, and to maintain his status as a well-respected man on his country estate. In order to escape his responsibilities, he often goes up to London where he has created an alter-ego by the name of Ernest Worthing. However this dubious double identity soon gets out of control, putting the relationship with the love of his life Gwendolyn in jeopardy.”
“Gwendolyn is a contradiction of emotions,” interjects Maxine Aquilina, who plays the character. “She is dramatic, loving, poised, excitable, feisty and classy. She really is the crème de la crème or so she likes to believe!”
This is the first time Tucci and Aquilina are working together.
“So far it’s been great fun. Although we do get told off for joking around too much. So Malcolm will very nicely say something like ‘OK guys, let’s continue!’” adds Aquilina, with a laugh.
“Working with Maxine and all the cast has been a breath of fresh air,” adds Tucci.
“Everyone has something of their own to bring to the table. The fact it is a small cast is great – we often meet at someone’s house and it feels more of a friendly get-together than a rehearsal. Malcolm is also great to be around; he is always so positive. Everyone has their own energy but I like how Maxine is always very open towards her character and it very much works for relationship between Jack and Gwendolyn.”
“The Importance of Being Earnest truly is a timeless piece,” enthuses Aquilina. “It is a play that everyone knows, written by a very popular playwright. Furthermore, we are lucky enough to be performing it at Teatru Manoel, our national theatre. Absolutely everyone should watch it.”
The Importance of Being Earnest will be performed at Teatru Manoel on January 31 and February 1, 2, 7, 8, and 9. Bookings on 2124 6389 or via www.teatrumanoel.mt. Classification 12+.