US/THEM by Carly Wijs

The animated narrative, ‘US/THEM’, which sees brutal terrorism coinciding with child-like innocence, is coming to Strait Street.

On 1 September 2004 – the first day of school, or Russian ‘Knowledge Day’ – a group of Chechen terrorists stormed into a school in the small town of Beslan, taking 1,200 hostages. The siege lasted three days. Hostages were confined within the walls of the school’s gymnasium. The massacre left 334 dead, including 186 children.

This October, the historic Splendid in Valletta will be transformed into the Beslan school and gymnasium, as ‘US/THEM’ will be staged for the first time in Malta. Written by Carly Wijs, ‘US/THEM’ had a sell-out run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2016, before transferring to the National Theatre, London.

In this hour-long performance, two children conduct their mercurial movements across the stage, while scrupulously recalling the events that they experienced. It will be performed by Maria Buckle and Jacob Piccinino.

‘US/THEM’ explores how children find ways to cope with traumatic situations. Tragedy will be turned on its head, as the audience will find themselves torn between the horrific nature of the tragedy and the children’s amusing antics.

‘US/THEM’ will be performed at The Splendid, Valletta on 8 nights spanning two weekends between the 4 - 14 October. The shows will be held on Thursday 4 and 11, Friday 5 and 12, Sundays 7 and 14 October at 8pm, and on Saturday 6 and 13 October at 7pm & 9 pm. For further information and bookings, please contact [email protected].