Bustling autumn
Sandy Calleja Portelli lists a number of family-oriented events being held over the next few weeks
The chilly weather is starting to set in but drive any thoughts of hibernation out of your mind as there are a number of fascinating events to tempt youngsters away from their textbooks this season.
Possibly the major event of the moment is the commemoration of Caravaggio's stay in Malta 400 years ago. There are currently two major exhibitions in Valletta honouring the artist's work.
The St John's Co-Cathedral Foundation is hosting Caravaggio and Paintings of Realism in Malta, which runs until December 16. There are two masterpieces on permanent display in the Oratory - The Beheading and St Jerome. For the duration of the exhibition, the Foundation has also been lent Portrait of a Knight, which the Master painted while in Malta. The exhibition also includes paintings by Caravaggio's followers; many of which are on loan from private collections. If you do decide to pay a visit it's worth noting that, although the Oratory remains open during church services, the Co-Cathedral itself is closed to visitors at these times and that narrow heeled shoes and heels are barred from the premises.
The exhibition opens at 9.30 a.m. every day closing at 6 p.m. from Monday to Saturday and 4 p.m. on Sundays. The entrance fees include the use of an audio guide for visitors aged seven and an interesting information booklet. The current fees are of Lm2.50 per adult (and Lm1.50 for students). Children under 12 are admitted free of charge when accompanied by an adult.
Caravaggio: L'Immagine del Divino is the title of the exhibition organised by Heritage Malta at the National Museum of Archaeology. In addition to the eight paintings on display; the exhibition includes an audiovisual presentation of the artist's life.
The exhibition, which closes on November 30, is complemented by a second exhibition of Caravaggisti painters; in short paintings by artists who were followers of the great master. This exhibition is housed at the National Museum of Fine Arts.
Heritage Malta has tailored a number of activities for the younger audience. A workbook for children over eight provides the perfect opportunity for youngsters to wander around the museum at their own pace as they search for the answers to the questions set in the workbook.
The organisation is also holding a number of educational workshops for children. Held on alternative Sundays, the next workshop is scheduled for tomorrow between 2 and 4 p.m. An expert speaker will guide the children through a particular aspect of Caravaggio's work after which participants will enjoy a practical painting session; the perfect opportunity to experiment for themselves. All participants will be given a copy of the workbook.
The exhibition is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily; pre-booking for the educational workshop is essential. Entrance fees: A adults: Lm6/€9.32, senior citizens and student card holders: Lm3/€6.99, family ticket (two adults and two children) Lm9/€20; school trips (Year 1 to Form 5) Lm1.50/€3.49. Further details and bookings for the educational workshop may be obtained by phone on 2122 1623.
The national tree planting weekend kicks off on Friday at Foresta 2000 in Mellieha. What started out as an appeal to fund the replacement of 3,000 trees destroyed in May has blossomed into a three-day tree-planting weekend. 34U have raised enough funds to plant 9,000 trees and everyone is invited to lend a helping hand.
The varied and interesting entertainment and animation programme which is being organised in conjunction with the tree-planting features animators, musical performers and a scouts camp fire.
The Manoel Theatre's calendar of events for the 2007/2008 season includes a number of productions aimed at younger audiences. The first of these is The Emperor's New Clothes, an adaptation by Leslie Erhardt. Performed by the Riverside Theatre Company of South Africa, this play is billed as a "fascinating tale set to enthuse and delight the young and young at heart".
The performances will be spread over the weekend of November 17 and 18 and are open to children aged four or over.
This year's pantomime, produced by MADC and directed by Nanette Brimmer, is the Pirates of the Caribbean. With its swashbuckling and sword waving plot, the panto should offer more than its fair share of fun, laughs and adventure. The pantomime will run from December 26 to 30 and from January 2 to 13.
For bookings and further information, call 2124 6389 or send an e-mail to: bookings@teatrumanoel.com. The box office is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. from Monday to Saturday and again from 5 to 7 p.m. from Monday to Friday.
There are so many events happening on the local scene now, that the problem is choosing the right one for your family. Whichever you choose, enjoy your time with the children.
Possibly the major event of the moment is the commemoration of Caravaggio's stay in Malta 400 years ago. There are currently two major exhibitions in Valletta honouring the artist's work.
The St John's Co-Cathedral Foundation is hosting Caravaggio and Paintings of Realism in Malta, which runs until December 16. There are two masterpieces on permanent display in the Oratory - The Beheading and St Jerome. For the duration of the exhibition, the Foundation has also been lent Portrait of a Knight, which the Master painted while in Malta. The exhibition also includes paintings by Caravaggio's followers; many of which are on loan from private collections. If you do decide to pay a visit it's worth noting that, although the Oratory remains open during church services, the Co-Cathedral itself is closed to visitors at these times and that narrow heeled shoes and heels are barred from the premises.
The exhibition opens at 9.30 a.m. every day closing at 6 p.m. from Monday to Saturday and 4 p.m. on Sundays. The entrance fees include the use of an audio guide for visitors aged seven and an interesting information booklet. The current fees are of Lm2.50 per adult (and Lm1.50 for students). Children under 12 are admitted free of charge when accompanied by an adult.
Caravaggio: L'Immagine del Divino is the title of the exhibition organised by Heritage Malta at the National Museum of Archaeology. In addition to the eight paintings on display; the exhibition includes an audiovisual presentation of the artist's life.
The exhibition, which closes on November 30, is complemented by a second exhibition of Caravaggisti painters; in short paintings by artists who were followers of the great master. This exhibition is housed at the National Museum of Fine Arts.
Heritage Malta has tailored a number of activities for the younger audience. A workbook for children over eight provides the perfect opportunity for youngsters to wander around the museum at their own pace as they search for the answers to the questions set in the workbook.
The organisation is also holding a number of educational workshops for children. Held on alternative Sundays, the next workshop is scheduled for tomorrow between 2 and 4 p.m. An expert speaker will guide the children through a particular aspect of Caravaggio's work after which participants will enjoy a practical painting session; the perfect opportunity to experiment for themselves. All participants will be given a copy of the workbook.
The exhibition is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily; pre-booking for the educational workshop is essential. Entrance fees: A adults: Lm6/€9.32, senior citizens and student card holders: Lm3/€6.99, family ticket (two adults and two children) Lm9/€20; school trips (Year 1 to Form 5) Lm1.50/€3.49. Further details and bookings for the educational workshop may be obtained by phone on 2122 1623.
The national tree planting weekend kicks off on Friday at Foresta 2000 in Mellieha. What started out as an appeal to fund the replacement of 3,000 trees destroyed in May has blossomed into a three-day tree-planting weekend. 34U have raised enough funds to plant 9,000 trees and everyone is invited to lend a helping hand.
The varied and interesting entertainment and animation programme which is being organised in conjunction with the tree-planting features animators, musical performers and a scouts camp fire.
The Manoel Theatre's calendar of events for the 2007/2008 season includes a number of productions aimed at younger audiences. The first of these is The Emperor's New Clothes, an adaptation by Leslie Erhardt. Performed by the Riverside Theatre Company of South Africa, this play is billed as a "fascinating tale set to enthuse and delight the young and young at heart".
The performances will be spread over the weekend of November 17 and 18 and are open to children aged four or over.
This year's pantomime, produced by MADC and directed by Nanette Brimmer, is the Pirates of the Caribbean. With its swashbuckling and sword waving plot, the panto should offer more than its fair share of fun, laughs and adventure. The pantomime will run from December 26 to 30 and from January 2 to 13.
For bookings and further information, call 2124 6389 or send an e-mail to: bookings@teatrumanoel.com. The box office is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. from Monday to Saturday and again from 5 to 7 p.m. from Monday to Friday.
There are so many events happening on the local scene now, that the problem is choosing the right one for your family. Whichever you choose, enjoy your time with the children.