It has been almost a decade since Jackie Villa and I began to collaborate on what was to become a trilogy of historical plays concerning the lives of Gibraltarians. The first was ‘Llévame donde Nací’ about the forced evacuation of the populace during the second world war. The second was ‘The Winds of Change’ concerning the story of Gibraltar’s 1967 Referendum. Then came ‘In the Still of the Night’ a third and final chapter, covering the years when Franco slammed the frontier shut. Three distinct moments which helped create the nation and the people we have become. Each having its own flavour, style and period in which they lived and breathed. These projects have always been very much Jackie’s with her asking me along for the ride. Something, I have been thankful for…. by the end of it. For these are enormous tales to tell and are not for the faint of heart. LOL! 

   As always we split the workload. Jackie handled the directing a mammoth task with scenes which went from an intimate duo of characters to over twenty on stage running around as a rampaging Greek chorus. While I concentrated on working with Sam Smith, our sound person to produce the large soundtrack of music Jackie had chosen. And, directing some four small scenes I had written for a character called Salvador who was  ‘El chico de la radio’. 

   Now, Jackie wrote the majority of the play while away on a five month cruise around the world with only very expensive, spotty Wi-fi to keep her connected. But she was still able to spin her magic, weaving the next chapter of Araceli’s Ansaldo family. Out of Jackie’s own experiences and the many stories folks had told her. Into a rich and colourful tapestry of family moments and historical instances covering over a decade. Of when Franco slammed the doors and imprisoned us inside our little cul-de-sac by the sea.