Ripe for rediscovery
– Interview with Prof. de Marco
President Emeritus of Malta

SUNDAY TIMES, Malta, August 19th, 2007
By Noemi Zarb

WE READ stories to confirm we are not alone. But the stories of the Old Testament which Björn Potulski is retelling through a theatrical cycle go beyond identification or the itch to direct/perform.

In probing the roots of Judaism, Christianity and Islam – the world’s monotheistic religions – he seeks to highlight their similarities and their differences. The project, intrinsic to his aspiration for a Veritable European Theatre, is now under the distinguished patronage of President Emeritus Guido de Marco, who regards the attempt to make the Old Testament available and accessible through the performing arts as “a very good idea”.

Significantly, Potulski is simultaneously groping for a European identity at a time when EU expansion, multiculturalism and an accelerating sweep of migration has totally transformed a continent which, a mere generation ago, seemed clearly defined. In his typical charismatic manner, Professor de Marco adds that though the project “is a far-fetched idea; it’s what makes it interesting.” More so in the contemporary westernised context of keeping politics and religion apart, although he believes that “the truth” ultimately shines through.

Delving into the concept of truth especially within the universal ethos of Catholicism, Professor de Marco readily admits that he “likes the Old Testament” and “loves the New Testament” not only because he finds the image of “the punishing god so remote” from Jesus’ message of unconditional love, but also because he finds living Christianity a tremendous challenge.