This Week • February 29 2004

From cowboy to Caligula
Anthony Ellul has established a name for himself as an actor, director and producer of plays. Working with some of the best known theatre artistes Malta has to offer he has put on some of the most cutting edge productions presented in the past decade. Ellul’s Teatru Menz will soon be presenting Camus ‘Caligula,’ to be staged at MITP in Valletta and Ellul plays the challenging main role. The play kicks off 6 March.

What first what inspired you to act, any family inspiration?
Well when I was a kid I used to be a keen fan of western movies and TV series and I aspired to become a cowboy. When I realised that these were in fact actors I then changed my aspiration and decided that one day I will take up drama lessons. Having finished my ‘A’ levels before starting University I enrolled at the then Manoel Theatre Academy of Dramatic Art (MTADA) way back in September 1980 and it is then that I kind of discovered that I might have some acting abilities. Having completed drama school I formed part of a new theatrical group which operated at Tigne Point – Actors’ Studio and from then on I went from play to play in both secondary and main roles. Looking back I think I made the right choice.

Do you get the chance to see theatre abroad? If so what do you look for?
Not much. But I have made it a point to go and see either a play or a musical when I am in London. Over Christmas I was there with two of my kids (out of four) and we managed to see Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. However, I also well recall seeing Hamlet in Berlin performed at the Berliner Ensemble.

Are there actors (Maltese or worldwide) you admire?
Well as an actor I try to observe a number of actors both in Malta and abroad and learn from their acting techniques. After all we actors steal from others in creating characters. So I do not think there is anything wrong in that. However, my favourite is Robert de Niro, although I preferred him in roles he played during the eighties – ‘Ragin Bull,’ ‘Once Upon a Time in America’ and ‘The Mission.’

What would you like to see done to achieve a higher quality theatre and attract more people to the shows in Malta?
I think people attend theatrical performances particularly of specific companies since they have established themselves well. For other smaller companies it is much more difficult. It is difficult to get sponsorships and publicity, despite companies staging quality productions. But probably it is the way the system works in Malta – it’s who you know. On the other hand I do not think Maltese theatre audiences risk when it comes to theatre. They prefer to go for the well-known companies, but are not ready to see what other smaller companies offer. We also need a variety of critics to create more interest in theatrical productions. Unfortunately, the theatre/drama in Malta is an art that is not given the exposure it deserves - as is done in the music field.

Of all the roles you have played so far which is your most memorable and why?
There are various, but if I have to mention some these would include Biff in ‘Death of a Salesman,’ Randall McMurphy in ‘One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest,’ Mephisto in Goethe’s ‘Faust,’ Jake La Motta in a theatrical adaptation of ‘Raging Bull’ and Othello in a Maltese production of Shakespeare’s play. What I like is the diversity of roles and looking for roles that are always different.

Most people would not want to be on a stage in front of an audience because of stage fright, what is acting adding to your life?
Well acting is not about being shy or otherwise. I still am a shy person, although not as much as I was before, and do not like to appear very much as myself. With regard to stage fright I think all actors still feel this irrespective of their experience. But acting is more than just appearing on stage. To me it is both an exploration of one’s own acting abilities and versatility as well as a more profound activity whereby I get to know myself more. So it is a form of self-exploration whereby I discover new elements in myself through the characters I play, particularly emotions which as myself I would have thought I was incapable of expressing. Acting to me becomes an addiction. Once you finish playing a role you want to jump into another.

Your next play is 'Caligula,' can you tell me something about your role?
The role of Caligula is very challenging for an actor. It gives him the possibility to experiment with emotions and acting styles. It is also very physical and I like plays where the acting requires intense physical energy. There is also the psychological aspect of this character and his motivations behind his atrocities. Camus’s Caligula has existential influences, not that I agree completely with Camus’ philosophy, but there are valid arguments particularly with regard to his ideal to make men live by the light of truth. This is utopia and unreachable, but Caligula wants to make this happen. Unfortunately he went about it the wrong way, as many dictators did during the last century.

Do you see a political role for theatre or should the aim be to entertain? If there is to be a political role what should it be?
I think theatre should inspire change whether this is political or social. It should make people react to specific issues, whilst still being entertaining. It should also encourage self-exploration. It should also excite and move an audience. But certainly it needs to be given more space to play such a role.

Any future projects?
Yes, this season does not end with Caligula but immediately after I start rehearsing for ‘The Heretic’ by Morris West. This will be staged at the Manoel theatre towards mid May. It is a play based on the life of Giordano Bruno who challenged the Church’s doctrines in around 1592 and was put on trail for his beliefs by the Inquisition at the time. He was finally put to death by burning. So another role to look for.