'We have never yet put up a play which is so funny' - Pierre Stafrace

Does Immaculate qualify as a religious satire?
Immaculate is a comedy. It is based on a hilarious hypothetical situation, which features both the archangel Gabriel and Lucifer, amongst other characters, alongside the heroine of the play, who is not exactly virginal. ‘Black comedy’ would probably be a better way to describe the play. And although some might perceive it as irreverent, it does not give any cause for concern.

In what sense is this a departure for Theatre anon?
The productions that Theatre anon has put up have all been quite different – from Kafka and Elizabethan plays to Greek tragedies and Beckett. Our last production, Ospizio, last year, was a site-specific work that involved actors, dancers, artists and a brass band. Immaculate is a comedy and we have never yet put up a play which is so funny.

Compared to other companies on the island, anon is perhaps the least prolific. Do you think it’s important to give yourself time to hone a production properly. Furthermore, do you feel this is something the theatre scene lacks, as a whole?
Every production requires its own time to put up – from the choice of the actual work, to its development and rehearsing. Developing or adapting a script obviously takes longer than taking on a tested, ready script. With Immaculate, we are tackling an award-winning script, which still, however, requires good preparation to ensure we bring out its best elements.

This play seems to be a healthy mix of the mock and the serious, the mundane and the transcendent. Was it challenging to achieve that balance, both from the point of view of the actors, and the director?
This is the first time we are working with Polly March as a director. She has a great feel for comedy and she is providing us with the right guidance to bring the Immaculate script to life. It is also the first time that well-known comic actor Alan Montanaro is involved with Theatre anon. Both these new elements have created very exciting dynamics during rehearsals, making the process challenging, educational and great fun.

Immaculate will be playing at St James Cavalier over March 11-13, 18-20. The rest of the cast includes Alan Montanaro, Stefan Cachia Zammit, and Denise Mulholland. The play is rated 18. Ticket prices are at €15, with all tickets on sale at €12 for Friday, 11 March. Bookings: 21223000, [email protected].