Theatre's history peeled away layer by layer

The restoration of the Manoel Theatre in Valletta, which started off as a maintenance project, has developed into a research process unveiling its history.

When they started works in 2003, restorers Giuseppe Mantella and Silvia Orsi, of Sante Guido Restauri, hardly thought they would come this far.

Unveiling layer after layer of paint to discover the original decorative panels of the frontispiece of the auditorium boxes first, the maintenance operation of the gilt decoration and the restoration of the proscenium arch after that, the team of restorers supported their findings by documented evidence of alterations and changes which the Manoel Theatre has undergone throughout the years.

They are now in the fourth phase of the project that includes bringing out the original shades of blue on the ceiling which are darker towards the border and lighter in the centre - a visual effect which, seen from below, gives the impression of a round cupola, similar to the technique used in the flat "cupolas" of the Gozo Cathedral and the Chiesa del Gesù in Rome.

Prof. Mantella explained yesterday that the theatre had been originally built in stone. It was at the beginning of the 19th century - around 80 years later - that its auditorium was transformed from a U-shape to an oval as we know it today.

The British engineer who was responsible for the works had introduced the proscenium arch, dismantled the stone boxes to erect wooden ones and raised the ceiling so that the theatre became a storey higher. Boxes in the lower level were removed at the turn of the 20th century, but that was not the last alteration since: Various attempts were made to "embellish" the theatre and original decorations including the gold gilts were touched up or painted over.

"We can imagine a theatre which was somewhat different, and definitely smaller," Prof. Mantella explained. The restorers intend publishing their findings after conducting further research when the work is completed.

Touring the theatre with the restorers yesterday were Culture Minister Francis Zammit Dimech, Manoel Theatre chairman Wilfred Kenely, and Malta International Airport chief executive officer Peter Bolech, MIA being the sponsors of the restoration.