The overall feedback from some of Malta's leading theatre companies following the DramaFest 2004 held last month is positive. This is the outcome of a post-festival review held at St James Cavalier Centre for Creativity last week.

During the event all theatre companies were presented with a financial contribution towards the expenses they incurred by Minister for Tourism and Culture Francis Zammit Dimech.

The five-day festival, the only event of the HSBC-sponsored Arts Summer Cultural Activities Series 2004 to feature solely Maltese works, earned widespread praise from both audiences and participants.

"What has made DramaFest such a success is the variety of drama styles which were included, Josette Ciappara, festival co-ordinator, said. "There was certainly something to suit everyone's taste.

"We were delighted with the quality of the performances and with the response from the audiences. There seems to be a genuine demand for this kind of event and consideration should be given to making it an annual fixture in Malta's cultural calendar."

One of the most important aspects of DramaFest was the fact that it gave nine theatre groups the opportunity to present their work and introduce themselves to different audiences who would normally not be exposed to this variation in drama styles.

The groups who took part this year were: Aleateia, Cocoon, Dù, Icarus Project, Lemonhead, Playhouse, Stagebreeze, OnCue and Urbania.

The positive response to DramaFest was reflected in the comments of several other participants. "I really hope that this event becomes a fixed appointment in the Maltese drama calendar as it has generated a lot of opportunities," Simone Spiteri from the theatre group Dù said.

Reuben Vella Bray, director of the Playhouse theatre group, said: "I think this was the best mix of theatre ever interpreted in Malta. We need these activities again and again."

"When you look back at last year's International Drama Festival, you can see that there has been great progress," Tony Cassar Darien, author and director of the play Kannella said. "What you have to appreciate is the opportunity these events offer.

"When you think about the logistical and financial requirements of putting on one full scale production, with the same effort you could organise a number of these festivals.

"What drama festivals do is give many more writers and actors the chance to show their ideas to the public."

Urbania's Miriam Galea commented: "I was not expecting such positive feedback. I am delighted that we had this opportunity to introduce ourselves to new audiences."

Chris Grech from Stage Breeze agreed, saying: "DramaFest 2004 was a challenging opportunity for Stage Breeze to share our innovative ideas and perform. It is encouraging to work even harder for the following DramaFest, when one sees the good turnout of audience in this festival at this time of the year."

Deo Grech, director of the new theatre group Cocoon, said: "Once again, Josette Ciappara has risen to the occasion and reached all targets set when it comes to organising such big theatre-events.

"Thanks to her and to all other committee members who put up this festival, through which, we could evaluate our work, learn what others are doing and above all, analyse the direction that local theatre is taking. This is why, I strongly believe, the DramaFest is here to stay."