The Moon Looks Delicious From Here: A journey through identity and heritage

Aldo Brincat performing his solo production at The Market Theatre, The Moon Looks Delicious From Here. Picture: Hoek Swaratlhe

In a vibrant celebration of storytelling, the highly anticipated theatre production The Moon Looks Delicious From Here made its debut at The Market Theatre last week, captivating audiences with its moving exploration of identity, heritage, and sexuality. 

This acclaimed piece has garnered attention both locally and internationally, drawing theatre enthusiasts into the intricate tapestry woven by renowned actor Aldo Brincat, who channels his personal experiences as a first-generation South African amidst the political upheaval of the 70s and 80s.

Directed by the talented Sjaka Septembir, this multi-award-winning production juxtaposes profound contemporary themes with Brincat’s emotional depth and distinct narratorial flair, set against a backdrop of South Africa’s tumultuous history. The addition of soulful music composed by celebrated singer-songwriter Bongeziwe Mabandla elevates the immersive experience for audience members.

The narrative unfolds in a time frame that stretches from the 1950s to the 1980s. Brincat intricately inhabits the roles of both his parents, Mario and Marie, whose love story begins on the shores of Durban. 

Mario, an Egyptian-born man of Maltese descent and a master of seven languages, mesmerises Marie, a Mauritian woman seeking refuge from her country’s independence struggles. As Mario attempts to woo Marie by moon-gazing and proclaiming, “the moon looks delicious from here,” the stage is set for an exploration of cultural identities intertwined with the perils of migration.

Brincat’s portrayal of numerous characters within a fragile nuclear family is a masterclass in acting. He navigates a shifting political landscape where both foreign and local characters struggle to find their place in a world marked by division. Drawing attention to pressing issues, the play examines the intersections of language, religion, and ambition within a society still healing from the scars of apartheid.

Aldo Brincat performing his solo production at The Market Theatre, The Moon Looks Delicious From Here. Picture: Hoek Swaratlhe

The Moon Looks Delicious From Here is built around a single family heirloom: a magic trick done with linking rings, which was passed down from grandfather to father, then to Brincat. 

Growing up in a family steeped in magic traditions, Brincat was immersed in the art from a very young age. He honed his craft under the tutelage of his relatives, mastering the delicate techniques of sleight of hand that earned him two placement awards during his early career as a junior magician. However, as Brincat matured, his love for performance expanded beyond the confines of traditional magic. He soon found himself longing for more dynamic methods of artistic expression. 

Brincat’s father was a young soldier during World War II and witnessed the death of his father, who was struck by a bomb and split into pieces. The tale centres around the relationship between a devoted father and son, each shaped by different cultures and historical contexts. 

"The Moon Looks Delicious From Here is a timely intersectional work with relevant themes for our current socio-political context,” Brincat states. 

“The show is universal, particularly at this time when the intersectional repercussions of migration, sexuality, heritage, and identity are increasingly central to our understanding of who belongs and what their identity entails.”

 

As Brincat confronts his history, he paves a healing space for viewers, inviting them to engage with their emotional truths and reflect on personal experiences. 

Aldo Brincat performing his solo production at The Market Theatre, The Moon Looks Delicious From Here. Picture: Hoek Swaratlhe

The haunting echoes of apartheid’s policies colour the characters’ struggles, making their fights against "otherness" resonate as vivid reminders of the human condition. As a young boy, Brincat is a mixed-race, multicultural, sexually-liberated young man who can converse with African hostel dwellers and kiss boys. Still, the conditions imposed by the government of the time did not permit or encourage any of his outward behaviour.    

At a time when discourse around migrancy, sexuality, culture, and identity has never been so urgent, The Moon Looks Delicious From Here serves as a compelling reminder of our shared humanity. With its universally relevant themes, Brincat’s work invites each one of us to reflect on our own identities as we navigate ongoing global conversations.

Brincat’s journey transcends traditional boundaries of performance, offering a unique perspective that inspires future generations of artists. As he continues to explore the frontiers of creativity, he encourages others to dream beyond the confines of the stage and engage with the magic of possibility. 

The Moon Looks Delicious From Here is currently showing at The Market Theatre until July 27, with tickets selling for R140 through Webtickets.