Maltese Actor Joseph Zammit To Play Peer Gynt In World Premiere Production
Joseph Zammit will soon star in a world premiere adaptation of Henrik Ibsen’s Peer Gynt – and it’s a role that comes with big expectations.
British playwright Brad Birch agreed to adapt the classic play under one condition: that Joseph plays the lead. But he’s more than ready to bring Peer Gynt to life.
“It was a surprise for sure!” he says. “It’s humbling and a privilege and I’ll be working hard to live up to the expectation.” he concluded.
Performed at Spazju Kreattiv, this upcoming modern adaptation explores themes of identity, morality and power, all still highly relatable today.
Audiences may see themselves in Peer’s journey, “He is a man in search of purpose and identity, while playing with the lines of morality and power. We’ve all been there,” Joseph explains.
Joseph is no stranger to the Maltese theatre scene – he’s appeared in hundreds of local and international productions – but playing a complex anti-hero like Peer has changed his approach to acting.
“Peer isn’t the nicest of people,” he admits. “I’ve had to fully immerse myself and take on odd perspectives to justify his ugly and horrible actions. There are several scenes that have pushed me, but the harshest of all is one that reflects an inevitable event in every family. So, it has offered new perspectives – but not any I intend to follow!” he stated.
While playing Peer has challenged him as an actor, Joseph credits the creative team for helping him delve deep into the character.
“Brad Birch writes in such a way that makes it easy to see what he has in mind, and our director Chris Gatt provides deeper insights into the world and the characters within it. Plus, the international cast makes for an interesting dynamic of seasoned and relative newcomers.”
As for what audiences should expect? A thought-provoking ride, answers Joseph. “Hopefully, when people leave the theatre, they’ll be thinking about why certain people and aspects of our society are the way they currently are.”
With a dynamic cast and a unique vision, this is one production Malta’s theatre-loving audiences won’t want to miss.
Catch Peer Gynt at Spazju Kreattiv from 27th September – grab your tickets here.
Henrik Ibsen’s Peer Gynt, adapted by Brad Birch, is an Adrian Buckle and Malta School of Drama & Dance production, supported by Arts Council Malta.