Theatre producer and writer Adrian Buckle, of Unifaun Theatre, has acquired the rights to use songs of Depeche Mode for his “new kind of musical” called Playing the Angel (taken from the name of their eponymous 2005 album).
“Depeche Mode’s music always had that theatrical element in it,” said Mr Buckle
He then made an effort to find a way to acquire the rights to use Depeche Mode’s songs, going to their label EMI which then directed him to the band’s manager, J. D. Fenger, who liked the idea. Mr Buckle could then resume work on the script.
“Depeche Mode are not Abba or Queen. The story can’t be a happy one,” the writer said. “It is a story of two boys growing up, coming of age and discovering love. They are abused, used, taken advantage of… It’s their sad way of discovering life”.
Unifaun are known for pushing the boundaries of local theatre. They caused a tumult last year when a play he was producing, Stitching, was banned by censors.Is Playing the Angel written in the same, often controversial, mould? As Mr Bucke says: “Well, I’m not going to invite my grandmother to this musical… and, yes, it will push boundaries. But I don’t do plays because they are controversial, I do them because they’re quality productions, which are relevant to the local scenario,”
The play will run in Valletta, Malta, on the last weekend of February and the first two weekends of March next year. However, the team would like to take this production – which is not expected to make any money – elsewhere, possibly the Edinburgh Fringe Festival or somewhere similar.
Mr Buckle has roped in Toni Attard to direct, Daniel Cauchi as musical director, Denise Mulholland for vocal coaching, Janet Vella for choreography, Niki Gravino for orchestration, Anthony Catania for visuals and Joseph Borg for graphics.
There is no cast yet, however, auditions for dancing, acting and singing will be held on June 27 at St James Cavalier, Valletta.
Those interested can contact Mr Buckle on admin[at]unifauntheatre.com
