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Theatre round-up: What’s happening this month
Theatre round-up: What’s happening this month
Oh My Malta takes a brief look at the productions on offer at Malta and Gozo’s theatres this October
Malta and Gozo are home to a number of historic and modern theatres, boasting an eclectic programme of events across a range of genres and artistic disciplines. With autumn closing in, we take a look at what’s coming up this month to help you plan your evenings out…
Theatre Next Door
'CLASS' at Theatre Next Door
The latest welcome addition to Malta’s theatre landscape, Theatre Next Door in Magħtab, Naxxar, is owned and run by well-known Maltese theatre company, FM Theatre Productions. Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and a fresh and dynamic programme of events, Theatre Next Door is certain to become a favourite amongst Malta’s audiences. This month sees Herman Grech’s award-winning play They Blew Her Up debut at the theatre following performances at Malta’s Spazju Kreattiv in 2021 and Brussels’ Royal Flemish Theatre in May this year. Don’t miss the opportunity to see this thought-provoking production written in response to the assassination of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia in 2017.
‘They Blew Her Up’ runs until 16 October. To find out more, visit Theatre Next Door’s official website.
Teatru Astra (Gozo)
Teatru Astra's 2013 production of Verdi's 'Otello'
Gozo’s Teatru Astra is an established fixture on Malta’s cultural landscape, home to numerous productions and festivals since its inauguration in 1968. October sees the theatre host three varied productions: a chamber music recital featuring Mario Galea (clarinet), George Camilleri (euphonium) and Francis Camilleri (pianoforte); the Amor fashion show presenting creations by VickyAnn Xuereb and featuring music by the Cordia Quartet, il-Mara and Alegria Dance Company; and George Bizet’s legendary opera Carmen starring Serbian mezzo-soprano Sanja Anastasia, Uruguayan tenor Carlo Ventre and leading Maltese soprano Nicola Said.
To learn more about Teatru Astra and its upcoming productions, visit the official website.
Teatru Manoel
Teatru Manoel's 2022 production of 'Sweeney Todd'
First opened in 1732, Teatru Manoel has long been a firm favourite amongst Malta’s concert audiences, known for its inviting interior and eclectic programme of events. Named after António Manoel de Vilhena, Grand Master of the Knights Hospitaller at the time and the driving force behind the Manoel’s construction, it is now recognised as one of Malta’s leading performance spaces and is thought to be the oldest working theatre in the Commonwealth. This month it welcomes Żeża tal-Flagship, a comedy written by Mikielang Borg in the early 1900s, and the musical La Cage Aux Folles presented by FM Theatre Productions.
To find out more, visit the Teatru Manoel website.
Teatru tal-Opra Aurora (Gozo)
13th edition of 'Leone Goes Pop' at Teatru Aurora
Despite being one of the country’s newer theatres — built between 1971 and 1976 — Teatru tal-Opra Aurora has already secured a reputation as a high-quality and popular venue, known, in particular, for its opera productions welcoming distinguished local and international performers. This month, the theatre welcomes two productions, beginning with Giuseppe Verdi’s famous opera Aida on 15 October. Set in Ancient Egypt’s Old Kingdom, the opera is known for its rich score, lavish set designs and sumptuous costumes, with this production featuring soprano Serena Farnocchia and tenor Antonello Palombi. Later this month, on 30 October, the theatre welcomes the Gozo Youth Orchestra, Cash & Band and 7-Star Pyramid Productions for a symphonic rock concert performing songs from across almost two decades of popular music, entitled From The Beatles to U2. The performance features the 7-Star Pyramid Productions choir under the direction of Dorothy Bezzina, as well as guest stars Sarah Bonnici, Chris Grech, Neville Refalo, Kurt Cassar and Ludwig Galea.
‘From the Beatles to U2’ takes place 30 October. To find out more, visit the Teatru tal-Opra Aurora website.
Teatru Malta
Teatru Malta's 'O.' staged at Teatru Manoel in 2021
Billed as “Malta’s first national theatre without walls”, Teatru Malta represents an innovative approach, staging an eclectic variety of predominantly Maltese language productions, in addition to talks and various new-generation initiatives, at various locations throughout the country. Driven by an enthusiastic and experienced team, Teatru Malta is making waves with its creative programming and unique place in Malta’s cultural landscape, and is a member of the European Theatre Convention (ETC). This month sees the organisation stage a production of Ġużè Diacono’s one-act play L-Għarusa at the Knight’s Armoury in Birgu.
‘L-Għarusa’ takes place from 21–31 October. To learn more about Teatru Malta, head to the official website.
Honourable mention: Teatru Salesjan
Renovation work as of June 2022
Musical performance prior to the renovation
Since its opening in the early twentieth century, Teatru Salesjan has filled an important cultural role in the heart of Sliema, staging dance, theatre and music productions, as well as civic meetings and other events. Following the government closure of theatres and other public spaces in response to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, the decision was taken to use this opportunity for extensive renovation work, which remains ongoing. As such, activities at the theatre are currently restricted, though its dedicated team are actively engaged in a number of artistic projects in the community. As a self-funded voluntary organisation, Teatru Salesjan relies on the generosity of contributors to continue its important work, so be sure to check out their website to find out more and learn about the different ways you can help support this vital part of the Sliema community.
To keep up to date with developments at Teatru Salesjan, visit the official website or check them out on Facebook.
