Alex Borg: From Criticism to Imitation

In the heart of Valletta, at the bustling Strait Street, Alex Borg’s office overlooks the Grand Harbour. His desk is a testament to his career – filled with awards, photos, and a small Maltese flag. Today, he’s reflecting on his journey, a journey that’s seen him go from being criticized to being copied.

From Street to Stage

Alex Borg, a name synonymous with Maltese theatre, didn’t start off in the limelight. Born and raised in Ħamrun, he was a street kid with a dream. “I used to perform skits on the street for coins,” he laughs, “I guess you could say I’ve come a long way from there.”

His big break came in the late 80s when he joined the Maltese Theatre Company. He was raw, but his energy and wit were undeniable. He quickly became a crowd favourite, known for his comedic timing and ability to poke fun at Malta’s quirks.

Criticism: The Fuel That Drives

Borg’s rise to fame wasn’t without its critics. “People said I was too brash, too raw,” he recalls. “They said I wasn’t ‘proper’ theatre.” But Borg saw it differently. “I saw it as an opportunity. I was giving a voice to the people, the real Maltese. I wasn’t doing Shakespeare, but I was telling our stories.”

His shows, like Il-Gżira tal-Mulej and Ħelu B’Ħelu, became cultural phenomena. They sold out the Manoel Theatre and sparked conversations about Maltese identity and society. But the criticism never stopped. “They said I was too loud, too political,” Borg says, grinning. “But I knew I was onto something.”

Imitation: The Highest Form of Flattery

Years later, Borg’s influence is undeniable. His style of theatre, once criticized, is now being imitated. “I see it in the younger generation,” he says. “They’re doing what I did, giving a voice to the people. And that’s fantastic.”

But Borg isn’t resting on his laurels. He’s still creating, still pushing boundaries. His latest show, X’Sejja’ X’Sejja’, is a satirical take on Malta’s political scene. “I’m not done yet,” he says, leaning back in his chair. “I’ve still got stories to tell, truths to expose.”

As he looks out over the Grand Harbour, he smiles. “They criticized me, then they copied me. And now? Now, I’m just getting started.”