Interview • 1 June 2003

The third degree with Josette Ciappara

Josette Ciappara is currently the principle at the Drama Centre Mikelang Borg and her involvement at the centre goes back a quarter of a century. She was one of the first lucky students to be enrolled at the school in 1977. In 25 years she has progressed from student to principle but this was only possible after a lot of hard graft.

Acting was something Josette always felt she would end up doing, as a child hailing from Vittoriosa, local companies used to perform at the convent schools. So on returning home from school she would dress up and perform in front of the mirror and her family, imitating her favourite character from the play she had just seen.

At secondary school she became involved in the traditional plays that were staged annually. These included some of Shakespeare’s works. It was always the acting side that would take most of her attention as she was rarely allowed to perform in the choir due to her rough singing voice. On a couple of occasions she was actually told to leave as they thought she was making fun of the choir. But she often had an audience with friends, always able to make people laugh and raise smiles.

So when the opportunity arose for her to audition for entry into the Drama Centre she jumped at the chance. The centre was set up as part of the Malta-British agreement, a sum of money was set aside for the creation of the Drama School to be established as part of the Manoel Theatre, Malta's National Theatre. Two British drama advisers were contacted to set up this school along RADA lines and the brief was to include work in the Ministry of Education to run drama classes in governmental schools. The British Council was entrusted with the work related to the engaging of the drama advisers and visiting tutors from the UK in the successive years.

She then spent many years as a tutor for the juniors after gaining qualifications from a scholarship offered by the French Embassy and two schools in the UK.

During the past 25 years, the Drama Centre, under its various names and guises, has striven to make its artistic contribution to live theatre in Malta. Throughout the years, all those involved in the drama centre have had the opportunity to witness the enormous cultural development that flourished in Europe’s major cities.

The Drama Centre’s International Drama Festival to commemorate the 25 anniversary is in full swing and ends on 8 June. A lot of the people participating are former students of the Drama Centre.

Someone hands you 10,000. What would you spend it on?

On a cruise to Alaska. Away from it all.

If you wanted to impress a lover what would you do?

I haven't done this for a long time. I wouldn't know what to do. I'm confused.

What do you want to be remembered for?

Honesty and friendship.

What's the worst insult one can throw at you?

‘You're unaccountable.’

How would you describe yourself?

Impulsive, workaholic, determined and a perfectionist. Above all, I'm a compassionate person.

Which movie or song best describes your life?

Both are still in the making.

Are you a coffee or a tea drinker?

Tea drinker.

What's been the highlight of your life so far?

Marta - my daughter. She's so unique in every form.

How old do you feel?

As young as one can imagine.

What's your best pick-up line?

‘Ma gara xejn. Insolvuha dalwaqt.’ (‘Don’t worry, we’ll solve it shortly.’)

What are you like when you're drunk?

I never get drunk. This is my phobia in life - even when I'm in company of 'happy' people.

Do you consider yourself an introvert or an extrovert?

A bit of both.

Live long or live fast?

Live fast.

Tell us a recent dream.

I was in the company of some nice people who all of a sudden turned quite evil and one of them approached me with a pair of scissors and was savagely cutting away at my hair.

If money were no option, what would you be doing?

I would still be in theatre.

What's the most bizarre thing you have ever eaten?

Kangaroo meat in Australia. It was delicious.

Are you good at keeping secrets?

Excellent.

If you had a time machine where would you go?

Post-World War II period.

If you could be a fictional/real character, who would you be?

I would be a migrating bird.

Do you believe in the supernatural?

Very much.

You're stuck in an elevator with strangers: what do you do?

Breathe heavily and pray I won't drive myself into hysteria.

Are you a workaholic?

Unfortunately yes.

What are you most afraid of?

Insecurity.

Would you quit a job without having another one lined up?

I might but it depends on the circumstances.