‘The Theatre Industry Is As Demanding As Any Other’: Studio 18’s Founder Tells All On Decade Milestone
Studio 18 recently marked a decade of existence, and Jean-Marc Cafa, the visionary founder and creative director, speaks to Lovin Malta to share all the fascinating details and inside scoops on this milestone moment.
“The enduring power of theatre lies in its capacity to reflect and respond to the world around us, offering a platform for dialogue, empathy, and social change. Recently I feel that it has gained added value: in a world where people skills are so sought after, engaging in theatre and arts education provides the tools in an organic way,” Cafa expressed.
Studio 18 had its first workshops in 2013, as a response to Malta’s bid to be the 2018 European Capital of Culture.
It was established with the aim of fostering a creative community where young individuals could flourish using theatre as a means of personal development.
Over the years, the studio has had close to 500 learners, and over 16,000 young people that took part in outreach activities or performances.
“It has also grown its team of professionals, which includes a mix of artists such as Aleandro Spiteri Monsigneur from Red Electrick, acclaimed playwright Simone Spiteri, and musical theatre savant Rachel Fabri, and a number of specialists in the education sector,” Cafa said.
Cafa’s role in the studio “is to provide artistic direction and strategic leadership to the company. I am responsible for shaping the overall vision, mission, and values of Studio 18”.
“I personally started doing theatre out of a deep passion for storytelling and the arts. From an early age, I was drawn to the excitement and the power of expression – my mother bore witness to endless homegrown tone-deaf concertos, flying crockery, and re-arranged furniture. When it became unbearable, she knocked on my neighbour’s door (Narcy Calamatta) and they carted me off to Anthony Bezzina… the rest was history,” he continued.
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When asked what keeps the theatre alive, here’s what Cafa had to say:
“What keeps theatre alive is its ability to capture the essence of human emotions, provoke thought, and create shared moments of catharsis and connection. It has the power to connect communities, engage the senses, create a dynamic relationship between performers and audiences.”
“It provides a space for diverse voices to be heard, for stories to be told, and for communities to come together.”
“The enduring power of theatre lies in its capacity to reflect and respond to the world around us, offering a platform for dialogue, empathy, and social change.”
He encourages those interested in doing theatre to immerse themselves in the scene – attend plays, take part in training courses and workshops, and engage with theatre professionals and organisations, “yes, they are very open and accessible”.
“Finally, persevere and be resilient in the face of challenges, as the theatre industry is as demanding as any other, but immensely fulfilling!”
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Studio 18 is just getting started, and its future is beaming with excitement!
“Our next phase is ambitious, exciting.. and tricky: we’re entering an incubation period that we’ve coined Project Phoenix,” Cafa explained.
“During this period, the Studio will reflect upon sustainable theatre practices in Malta, explore the links between creativity, culture, and the arts, challenge the role of arts in the community, and focus on vocational training and employability in Maltese theatre.”
This will be achieved by collaborating professionals from various fields and continue to deliver “relevant theatre learning and development experiences for young people in Malta”.
“I think it is important to remember that not all our members are there to pursue a career in the arts. Some want to refine their skills and some want to unpack their confidence and creativity, or to understand themselves better.”
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