‘Gabriel Garcia Marquez’ story ‘A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings’ provided the core story for an extraordinary project that brought together artists from three countries; Malta, Cyprus and Cornwall. Over three years they created three versions of this magical tale, each time reflecting the landscapes and communities that were hosting them. The team worked closely with each community, incorporating local skills, talents and passions. Each time the story was retold new layers of meaning and emotion were added.
 
MALTA 2003
‘The location for ‘A Very Old Man…’ in Malta was the quay of the ancient town of Birgu, former capital of Malta, settled by the Knights of St John. They built their hostels for pilgrims there. Now the people of this little town are struggling to deal with change, the pressures of tourism, and the threat to their community spirit and way of life. This was woven into the show.’
 
CYPRUS 2004
‘The location for ‘A Very Old Man…’ in Cyprus was a derelict taverna right next to the Ledra Palace Gate, on the Green Line partitioning North and South Cyprus. The taverna had been closed for many years because of the risks from sniper fire. The show was built on the Greek Cypriot side of the Green Line, but three Turkish Cypriot artists travelled from the North through passport control every day to rehearse and perform alongside Maltese, Cornish and Greek Cypriot colleagues. The performances in Cyprus explored what sticks communities together, and what tears them apart.
 
CORNWALL 2005
The location for ‘A Very Old Man…’ in Cornwall was the South Quay in the port of Hayle. Once famous for its engineering and its massive foundry, Hayle is now a cinderella-town awaiting investment to help rebuild its economy and infrastructure. The South Quay is an active fishing port, landing crab and mackerel, so this activity was incorporated into the show. Cornwall is undergoing rapid change, stimulated by the influx of European money, presenting huge challenges and opportunities to Cornish communities. One of the characters in the show says ‘ We’re not poor, we just don’t have any money’.  The storytelling here expressed Cornish anxieties about the loss of culture and community that can happen when the money comes…’

The ‘3 island project’ was  a close partnership of WILDWORKS, THOC- The National Theatre of Cyprus St James Cavalier in Malta with special thanks to the British Council’s in Cyprus and Malta, and Cornwall County Council.