Special Plug-In: Malion

Malion is hitting the stage at the Live Rooms in Chester on April 11th, followed by captivating performances at the Liverpool Arts Bar (Studio Three) on April 12th and 13th, 2024. This represents a significant milestone for Tired Horses Theatre (THT) as their debut original production. Crafted by the visionary Artistic Director, Joseph Meardon, this reinterpretation of the classic Pygmalion myth offers a thought-provoking exploration of identity, and the darker dimensions of masculinity.

In Meardon's adaptation, audiences are invited to immerse themselves in the story of Pygmalion, a sculptor ensnared by the allure of his own creation, animated by the divine touch of Aphrodite. However, beneath the surface of this ostensibly romantic tale lies a poignant truth—one that Meardon courageously unveils. Through a poignant examination of harmful masculine behaviours, "Malion" compels viewers to confront uncomfortable realities regarding power dynamics and their impact on contemporary gender relations.

We spoke with Artistic Producer and Dramaturg, Mikael Phillips to get a deeper insight into the production.

Can you tell us about the inspiration behind this particular production?

Malion is inspired by two things. One, contemporary criticisms on the myth of Pygmalion, and two, in response to an everlasting rise in abusive behaviours towards female identifying people from male identifying people. Malion seeks to reflect these abusive and harmful behaviours whilst having a female identifying character comment on the harm it places upon them. 

What challenges did you face in bringing this production to life?

Our biggest challenge has been ensuring we are staying true to our goals in attempting to create a positive impact on the way male identifying people behave and how we can reflect this harm as a means of enlightenment and not perpetuating more harm. We have created a play which shows some of these harmful behaviours as we have witnessed them unfold in our own lives, or from online forms/comment sections/group chats etc. and how certain actions and behaviours cause harm and risk leading to abuse whilst holding the perpetrators accountable for their actions. But will they listen? I think we have managed to achieve this sense of ‘good over harm’ but it has been a challenging experience for us all, how do you show the harm caused by overly masculine behaviours without encouraging harm itself… that was always going to be a tricky one, but I think we have met our goal.

How did you approach casting for this production, and what qualities were you looking for in your actors?

We did an open casting call and invited anyone & everyone to apply. In the end, however, we decided to select our cast based on those willing to be open to the vulnerability and exposure Malion brings out of its cast & crew. And also, those who shared in our feminist values and intentions. 

Could you share any memorable moments or anecdotes from rehearsals or performances?

Rehearsals have been a complex procedure, we have had several hiccups but this team of actors are phenomenal and pulled through it all! Rehearsals have been a lovely process, it was discovered early on that this piece needed to be collaborative rather than directed as such each voice has been key in informing the presentation the subject matter. Memorable moments for me are those moments of vulnerability as we each shared our knowledge and experiences of the matter, the wishes and wants we have for a better world. 

Also we love playing King of the Jungle and Ninja! Rehearsals always start with a check-in and gentle warm-up, inspired by Gecko Theatre's own warm ups! I love the build-up from warm-up to games to play, it’s nice to see people relax and have fun!

What message or themes do you hope audiences take away from this production?

We are hoping our audiences reflect on the themes of abuse to acknowledge and recognise the importance of understanding how our own traits and behaviours contribute towards actions of abuse. Our message is a challenge to the slogan ‘Not all men’ arguing that yes, ‘all men, all men contribute’ to the sexist, patriarchal, misogynistic society we have existed in for too long. Certain behaviours in men, such as sexualising the female body from a young age, being brash and instinctive, being overly reactive to sexual stimulation, being rude, loud, mean, angry, competitive… the list goes on but I think you can see what I mean. These behaviours and traits are often ignored or pushed aside into the ‘he’s such a boy’ or ‘well, that’s boys for you’ way of thinking, which has been passed down and seeded into our collective consciousness as a result of trauma and brainwashing. A bad man is not an extremist, it is he who does not act to make the world better.

Descartes in the 16th to 17th century declared ‘Men are rational as they are void of emotion, women can NEVER be rational as they are controlled by emotion’, finally justifying these reactive and uncontrolled behaviours in men we have seen throughout time to be brushed aside and ignored, whilst paving the way for the foundations of contemporary attitudes towards gender inequality and abuse today. Men have been led to believe they are the superior sex, and with that we have allowed their most cruel and repulsive behaviours roam free. We believe that it is simply a case of ignorance, and that it’s time for men to be held accountable for their behaviours.

It's great to hear that you have supported a local women’s charity too. Can you tell us a little more about this?

The proceeds of our rehearsed reading of Malion held in the Liverpool Arts Bar Studio Four on the 7th of February 2024, were donated to Chester Women's Aid. We wanted to support a local organisation who are actively supporting victims of abuse and combating the stigma and ignorance around conversations of abuse. This is important to us as Malion explored themes of abuse and sexual violence towards women in the play, as we are aiming to encourage our male-identifying audiences to reflect on the themes and content of the play to recognise potential harmful behaviours in themselves and hopefully think about how their actions harm other people, whilst serving as a compassionate and honest reflection on the real-life experiences female-identifying people face in our society today and how they are subjected to sexualisation and abuse.

Be sure to secure your tickets and witness first-hand the mesmerizing retelling of this classic Greek myth. Trust us—you won't want to miss it!"