Analysis & Behind the Scenes
Backstage
Dear readers,
As promised, a brand-new poem was published last Friday:
As its title suggests, this poem explores what unfolds behind the scenes, in a theatrical context, just before a performance begins.
But why this poem?
And more importantly, is there a hidden message within this text—one that is not necessarily subtle?
As is often the case with my writing… yes.
A bit of storytelling
The genesis of this poem is closely linked to my growing attraction to the world of theater and cinema—an artistic universe I have been drawn closer to over the past two years. Let me explain.
I have always been passionate about cinema, but until 2023, this passion existed solely from the perspective of a spectator—and that was perfectly fine with me. Then one day, almost by chance, while I was living on the island of Malta, I overheard a conversation between people working as extras on various productions.
I allowed myself to approach these gentlemen and ask them a few questions. At the time, this environment felt like a closed circle of initiates—nearly impossible to enter.
They nonetheless shared valuable advice on how to find work as an extra, though stepping into acting roles proved, unsurprisingly, far more challenging.
From that moment on, a new adventure began for me. I found myself at the heart of an industry I deeply admire, one that allowed me to discover the other side of the set—which is precisely the essence of this poem.
The other side of the set
When we watch a play or a film, we rarely grasp the extent of the technical and human efforts that exist beyond what the eye can see. We easily imagine the sets and props, but we often forget the human intervention that precedes and enables their presence.
This is probably what struck me most through my experience with cinema and theater: behind the stage lies an entire invisible world that allows the action to exist.
Through this poem, my first intention was to pay tribute to all those shadow technicians—the unseen workers who are rarely acknowledged, yet are the true architects of a successful production.
A broader reflection
I also find the societal parallel particularly compelling. In this context, individuality does not truly exist—it only operates within a collective dynamic. And to me, this is one of the fundamental principles of any society built on community.
The theme that interests me here relates to what I would call the forgotten side of meritocracy. Those who make the spectacle possible are often the least valued. There is a clear imbalance between physically demanding, labor-intensive jobs and positions perceived as more prestigious because they are intellectual or directive in nature.
This is where the notion of caste becomes relevant to me—or even that of a box. A place one is assigned to, or gradually locks oneself into, because it is commonly believed that this is all one deserves. It is not something I sought to denounce outright, but rather to subtly highlight.
Finally, although I am an atheist, I remain deeply fascinated by mythologies and religions. I therefore chose to add a subtle spiritual layer by dividing the cinematic and theatrical process into three distinct poles: technique, acting, and direction.
A deliberate echo of the Holy Trinity—since these three entities can only truly exist through their interdependence.
Conclusion
Behind the curtain, everyone plays a role—whether visible or not.
And you, what comes to mind when you think of those invisible worlds that make an artwork—or even a society—possible?
Have you ever witnessed, or taken part in, this kind of work done in the shadows, so often forgotten and rarely acknowledged?
I would be genuinely curious to read your thoughts and interpretations in the comments.
I think mothers do this all the time especially the first year of a person’s life. It sounds like a cliche — one of the most important yet undervalued jobs. They bring up the next generation .
I feel like as writers we are often relegated to the “behind the scenes”