Ahead of the student-led production’s debut, Times2 caught up with writer-director Brendon Thearle to find out more.
Firstly, tell us what the show’s about
Without giving too much away, Murder on the Dancefloor follows two best friends, Kate and Emily, as they reunite for what might be their final dance on the disco floor. What begins as a fun night out soon unravels when unexpected external forces disrupt their plans, pulling them into a series of traumatic events they must confront one last time.
Kate is often seen as the calmer, more introverted half of the duo, while Emily is the bold, outspoken and independent one. The characters were developed from the ground-up by emerging artists Angelique Attard and Monique Falzon, who play them respectively – making Kate and Emily feel like extended versions of themselves.
Monique, Angelique, and I have known each other for about three years now, and we’ve grown used to each other’s quirks. As up-and-coming thespians, we have our diva moments during rehearsals, but we always make time to laugh, be a little silly, and then shift gears to focus on creating something great. That balance has brought us closer than ever, especially as we approach our final year at university.
What inspired you to present this particular narrative?
There were several inspirations behind the piece, but the one that truly pushed me to develop the original script into what it is today – thanks in large part to a much needed edit by Julia Camilleri – was a short play titled Thirty Love, written and directed by Nicky Gambin. It was featured in Chewing Productions’ 3×3 – A Triple Bill of New Theatre in 2022 and revolved around two individuals playing a tennis match as a story gradually unfolded. The idea to include Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s song [Ed: after which the play is named] came after I (regretfully) watched Saltburn – a film that, in my opinion, left much to be desired. However, its use of that song sparked inspiration and helped shape the early version of the script.
The play’s tone shifts from light-hearted to serious when needed, offering moments of laughter while also encouraging audiences to reflect on its mature themes, including sexual assault and the loss of a loved one.
The play is ‘written in English and Maltese’ so is the performance a mixture of both?
Yes, the play is written in both Maltese and English. This choice reflects not only its local setting but also the way our generation naturally switches between the two languages in everyday conversation. We also wanted to make the play accessible to speakers of either language, so that everyone can connect with and understand the message we’re trying to convey.
How is the show being staged?
Since this production is a student-led initiative, our budget is understandably limited. However, we’re fortunate to have access to the University of Malta’s Valletta Campus Theatre, which provides us with professional lighting and sound equipment. Additionally, collaborating with external creatives to source set pieces and props has allowed us to bring our vision to life and create something we’re genuinely proud to showcase.
How do you hope the audience will feel as they leave the auditorium?
Theatre is a powerful tool – not just for entertainment, but also for sparking thought and inspiring action: that’s exactly what we aim to achieve with Murder on the Dancefloor. The play addresses sensitive topics that encourage audiences to reflect on broader social issues and by collaborating with NGOs like Victim Support Malta, we hope to shine a light on the vital services available to those in need. At the same time, we want to offer audiences an enjoyable night out, filled with a compelling story and moments of humour, leaving them both entertained and moved by the message we’re sharing.
Murder on the Dancefloor is being performed at the Valletta Campus Theatre on May 2 and 3 at 7.30pm and lasts just under an hour. Tickets are free.
The show is recommended for an audience aged 15+ due to strong language and some distressing scenes. It is supported by the Department of Theatre Studies within the University of Malta’s School of Performing Arts.
