The opera house debacle

I just cannot comprehend why there is so much antagonism against the reconstruction of the Opera House. Who will gain by such lack of action? This has been held in abeyance for more than 60 years and probably Mepa, in its infinite wisdom, thought that it is now a relic of historical importance like the Colosseum in Rome.

A few weeks ago it was stated in the PBS news bulletin that Mepa had scheduled a number of buildings in Valletta. Although I have already asked twice, the full list and reasons for such action are still being kept very confidential. How could it be justified that such news was given exclusively to PBS and not to the other media? What action has been taken by the Press Board?

PBS put great stress on the fact that the Opera House ruins are included in this list. Who made up the list? On what criteria was it drawn up? Why were certain buildings included while others have been omitted? If it was available to PBS, what is holding Mepa from making it available to the public? It is not the first time that Mepa has scheduled certain buildings and landmarks in what could seem to be an action to favour one lobby against another.

Do I smell a rat? The recent comments by I. M. Beck (April 19) make me wonder. This columnist gives the impression of being a person in the know. Would he, and others, have objected if the Piano monstrosity had been approved? There is absolutely no reason why the National Theatre should not be rebuilt. Is there a smell of spite?

I have written in the newspapers, directly to the Prime Minister and to Austin Gatt, offering my services completely free of charge so that the theatre could be rebuilt and be able to operate without in any way demanding any funds from the exchequer.

There has been much talk about "cultural" tourism. What does culture mean? The theatre will require a strong team of hands-on persons, including impresarios, entrepreneurs and supporters. The artistes are not the best people to financially manage any theatre. While the audience goes to a theatre to admire the work of artistes, these are not the ideal administrators.

Opera is not for the elite. Good music and ballet are educational. The theatre could be a big tourist attraction like it was before the last war when Malta was the launching pad of many artistes and composers.

Finally may I remind the Prime Minister and, to a lesser extent, the opposition, that the rebuilding of the theatre was one of the promises in the electoral manifesto? Let us get cracking. Call a national conference and appoint an active study group. If asked to participate I promise that the national theatre will be ready and functional before the next general election.