My essentials: Frida Cauchi’s cultural picks

About

Born in Ħamrun in the 1960s, I am the eldest of three—myself and two younger brothers. I enjoyed a happy and ordinary childhood like any other child in that era.

My career in the performing arts began in 1989, starting on the theatre stage before moving into television and film. Since then, I have remained actively involved in the entertainment industry, embracing a wide range of creative roles.

Between 2000 and 2017, I produced daily television programmes, gaining extensive experience behind the camera while continuing to perform. Today, my focus is on acting in short and feature films, while still maintaining a strong connection with theatre through regular stage productions.

Book

Recently, I received AODHÁN by Adrian Buckle as a gift. To be honest, it’s not the type of book I would normally choose to read, but I enjoy exploring different genres and topics.

The novel blends dark fantasy, mythology, cosmic horror, and adventure while exploring themes such as innocence versus corruption, the burden of power, hope, sacrifice, and the eternal battle between good and evil.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading it, and it sparked my interest in mythology. It reminded me that stepping outside my usual reading preferences can lead to discovering fascinating new worlds and ideas.

Film 

I love watching films, although I don’t have much free time to do so. The last film I watched at the cinema was Zejtune. I’m part of the cast, and I highly recommend it because it explores experiences that many people can relate to.

Nowadays, many young people dream of leaving the island. However, as Mar discovers in the film, taking the time to explore the island, its traditions, and its people helped her to develop a deeper appreciation for her homeland and reminded her of the beauty that surrounds us.

Internet and TV 

Nowadays, we cannot live without the internet, and I use it extensively for research, browsing for information, and staying up to date.

At the end of the day, I enjoy unwinding by watching short clips on social media from classic American and British comedies. They always bring a smile to my face and are the perfect way to relax.

Music 

I’m not very up to date with modern music, and when I do listen it’s usually older songs. One of my favourites is The Closest Thing to Crazy by Kate Melua. I love her music and her beautiful voice.

In this ballad, she explores the emotional turmoil and irrationality of being deeply in love. I especially love the way the lyrics capture the overwhelming, confusing contradictions of love. It’s a beautifully written and heartfelt reflection on the emotions that come with loving someone.

Place 

I love travelling and enjoy discovering every place I visit, but at heart, I’m definitely a Malta person. I still love living in Malta because, despite its small size, you can experience an incredible variety of places and activities in just one day without spending hours travelling.

Depending on my plans, I can start the morning with a meeting in Valletta, spend the afternoon swimming near Mellieħa, enjoy the rich history of Mdina in the evening, and finish the day with a lovely dinner in Marsaxlokk. It’s this unique combination of convenience, beauty, history, and lifestyle that makes Malta such a special place to call home.