A compelling new show, which explores the issue of sexual violence against women and people of marginalised genders, is soon set to take to the stage at Teatru Astra in Gozo and Spazju Kreattiv in Malta.
Devised by the female-led production company Prickly Pear Productions, Walking Home serves as a reaction to Sarah Everard’s journey home, Sabina Nessa’s murder in London, and most recently, Paulina Dembska’s murder in Malta, among so many others – and to the global outpouring of shared grief and anger that has followed these brutal tragedies.
Following performance runs from June 16-18 at Teatru Astra and from July 21-23 at Spazju Kreattiv, Valletta, Walking Home is also set for an August run as part of the renowned Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
“The show opens with just another day in the office – but when news that a colleague has been sexually assaulted reaches the boardroom, emotions run high. Yet, deadlines must be met, and, too quickly, too often, people must move on with life as normal,” explains Prickly Pear Productions’ co-artistic director and the show’s director, Chantelle Micallef Grimaud.
“Walking Home is based on more than 40 true stories of real experiences that we have collected from people of diverse genders, nationalities and walks of life from around the world. We hope that we can shed light on the community’s role in this vital conversation – and help it progress well beyond the stage.”
Walking Home stars Sean Borg, Michela Farrugia, Alex Weenink and Zoë Alba Farrugia, with movement direction from Zoe Camilleri, intimacy direction from Simone Ellul and lighting design by Andre Micallef.
Founded in 2018 by Chantelle Micallef Grimaud and Zoë Alba Farrugia, Prickly Pear Productions has roots in Malta and the UK. It aims to give a voice to minority groups and their untold stories, spreading awareness and understanding of different peoples, cultures, ethnicities and ways of life, while challenging stereotypes.
The company’s original productions have included the acclaimed Immigration Crisis: The Musical, Nanna’s Bolognese, Project Cabaret, Baħar and Displaced, which have performed in such prestigious international venues and festivals as the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, UK, Migration Matters Festival, Camden Fringe Festival, VAULT Festival, Camden People’s Theatre and Beverley Puppet Festival.
Prickly Pear Productions has also created the Prickly Pear Cooks YouTube series, the Tessie & Blanche screenplay, funded by Screen Malta, and The Actor’s Atlas podcast, launched with the support of Arts Council Malta.
“We are excited and proud to share Walking Home with audiences in Malta and Gozo, as we get ready to take it to Edinburgh for Prickly Pear’s first full run of a show at the Fringe Festival. It will be an experience we will never forget – and we hope will be the start of many more productions to come!” concludes Zoë Alba Farrugia.
Walking Home will perform at Teatru Astra, Victoria, on June 16 and 17 in English and on 18 June in Maltese. Performances start at 7.30pm. It will be performed at Spazju Kreattiv, Valletta, on July 21 and 22 July in English at 8pm, and on July 23 at 7pm in Maltese.
A panel discussion will follow the performances June 16 and 21. Tickets and more information are available here and here. This production is supported by Arts Council Malta.