Opera House bomb site 'scandal'

William P Flynn

Dec 22nd 2008, 11:46

RaymondSammut

How could I be sure what's in the PM's mind? Except his recent declaration that is. What was in the mind of the other PM's of long ago is even more impossible to deduce.

I should have thought a parliament house could be anywhere as it would attract and radiate its own energy and momentum. Perhaps where there is more space where a suitable security perimeter can easily be cleared.

I am just as disappointed as anyone about the OperaHouse. But if the PM is going to change his mind I think he's going to need more intelligent and persuasive arguments.
Perhaps a widely circulated signature drive by citizens?

If the site was anywhere else in the world, after all the tribulations, it would be restored to its original architectural specifications as a matter of principle; a gesture of the defiance of war and the removal of its last vestige and British Colonial arrogance within Valletta.

Wait ....no...Isn't there one more? Have you looked at the Grand Harbour entrance lately?
All those cruiseship passengers would be aghast if the breakwater is still war-damaged.

But first, the OperaHouse. Send your letters to your elected representatives, people.

Raymond Sammut

Dec 22nd 2008, 09:20

@ William P Flynn

What I am sure of is, the if Mr Mintoff wanted to re-build the Opera House, he had all the time and the resources to do it, but he never did.

As to what Dr Gonzi will do now, you could be the only one who is sure as to what this will be.

If Dr Gonzi were to treat history with disregard, and leave the Opera House stones at the Addolorata, so history will treat him and his prime ministership.

William P Flynn

Dec 22nd 2008, 07:50

@Raymond Sammut


Let me make sure I understand....
You Guess Mintoff didn't like opera? Because he was a technical man? As a boy, 40 odd years ago, you saw a certain look in the PM's uncle's eye ?
All this tells you that Mr Gonzi "might have a fraction of...mettle"?

Emmm! He IS a Prime Minister! Forgive me for assuming that requires a wee bit of mettle.

I am sure if Mr Gonzi reads your brilliant deductions he will be galvanized into action. He will take himself into a quiet room, shut the door...and have a great belly laugh.

Please! Mr Sammut, give the Opera House a chance. Stop helping it.

Raymond Sammut

Dec 22nd 2008, 02:37

@ William P Flynn

I am not entirely convinced.

Mr Mintoff was a technical man and my guess is, he hated opera. As a result of the Mintoff administrations, the Maltese, for some 60 odd years, remained without the Opera House.

The key, now, is in Dr Gonzi's hand.

Nipper of 8, at the Mdina Cathedral, I was confirmed by Dr Gonzi's greatuncle. The prelate was small in stature, but I never forget that no nonsense sharp look in his eyes.

If Dr Gonzi has at least a small fraction of the mettle his greatuncle had, he would do the right thing and return to the Maltese the Opera House which is rightfully ours by inheritance.

Denis Catania

Dec 21st 2008, 20:23

@Ian Waugh: Thank you. You are a true gentlemen. I can't see it not being handicap accessible.

Joseph Vella

Dec 21st 2008, 20:05

Much has been said and nothing has ever been done towards the reconstruction of the Opera House, a relic of British colonialism gone by, never again to return. Sentimental as the latest proposition is, to reconstruct it as a precise replica of the original building, it must be kept in mind as D Vella so ably reminded us, that its Neo-Classical architectural design was out of phase with the true Baroque character of Valletta. None can argue against his well argued point of suffering nostalgic hysteria, in debating how best to rid Malta of this shameful WWII eye sore that greets visitors to our shores. –continued ….

Joseph Vella

Dec 21st 2008, 20:04

Since the past can never be redone, it makes better sense to concentrate towards the future on how best to replace the ruins and the nearby horrendous city gate, with structures which compliment the historic character of our ancient Capital, while keeping in mind the aesthetic and practical aspects of the rebuilding project. Given that due consideration of preserving Maltese Theatre, Arts and Culture is of prime interest in replicating the Opera House to Edward Middleton Barry’s original specifications, the urgent need to relocate the present Maltese Parliament building to the proposed new structure, cannot be simply shrugged away. Both needs are genuine, worthy of consideration, if not on an either or proposition then perhaps in combination. -- continued ….

Joseph Vella

Dec 21st 2008, 20:01

I do not presume to know the answer nor am I qualified to give architectural advice, yet as a concerned citizen I hope that an ingenious solution may be found to accommodate a seemingly impossible task. My preference as a person, who has fond memories of the original structure, is to rebuild it to its original specifications, before the Luftwaffe found its mark. Further the new edifice will not carry the stain of British colonialism, but instead be a symbol of a proud and independent Maltese nation, thriving within the European Union.

William P Flynn

Dec 21st 2008, 14:55

@RaymondSammut

In 1961 I was 18 and Cottonera was my stomping ground. Trust me there was still considerable war damage/rubble.The bastions still had bomb craters, warehouses were condemned; some houses were just shells.

The OperaHouse would have been rebuilt within a reasonable time if one of two things had happened:

1. If we'd been on the losing side.

2. If Integration happened, Malta would have become part of Britain. No way was an operahouse going to be left in ruins in Britain.

What was Malta that Britain was not? What was Malta that erstwhile "enemy" Europe wasn't? A British Colony.

That the OperaHouse is a colonial dagger in Valetta's heart is exemplified by MrRobertson(Colonial Office) who said it was "not practical to include Malta in the Marshall Plan as that would create a precedent" for the other colonies.

Even when it was US(Marshall Aid)charity in Britain's tight fists, colonies, by precedent, weren't allowed to receive from Britain. Everything in the colony of Malta was, however, was up for grabs by the British-including our Flag.
You only know a free Malta. Good on you. But bear in mind life wasn't always as you know it; as any old grump knows.

Raymond Sammut

Dec 21st 2008, 09:35

@ William P Flynn

I can only vouch for one thing. In regard to your reference to the Cottonera, as a toddler/small boy, I grew up in Fgura Rd, just outside Bormla. We had many friends in Bormla, whom we used to visit to play Tombla, me dragging my big toy truck.

I have vivid recollections of the place and of some of the Bormlisi back then (1961 approx). Without a doubt, there was no construction work going on in Bormla. The first Mintoff administration had already re-built the city, and people had homes to live in.

Mintoff, if he wanted to, could have easily re-built the Opera House. He could have done it with his own hands. He himself personally had all the expertise, all the materials were there, and labour was very cheap. My old man was a labourer himself, and I remember well how cheap labour was.

But Mintoff never wanted the Opera House to be re-built. Hardly a colonial dagger. It was a purely internal political issue.

William P Flynn

Dec 20th 2008, 23:53

MrWaugh:

Perhaps you might wish to ease some of your "certain irritation, resentment and especially embarrassment ," you feel in relation to what you euphemistically refer to as British Colonial handedness, by, for a start, allowing Maltese people to copy that lovely photo of the opera house on the front of your webpage.

As it was taken just the day before its demise, this would have sentimental value to many. Your sharing it would be viewed as a token of magnanimity and heart felt "not for profit" involvement in this quest.
If this is not possible, perhaps you might wish to name your price.

Since you say you "purchased a copy" form the photographer's son, there is an undertone emerging that there may be pecuniary interests here.

MrCatania asked you if you're willing to donate the domain name www.maltaoperahouse.com

To keep ownership of an iconic website name like that may prove hard for you as you'd need to prove some originality and intellectual property to this Maltese icon. It would be like me claiming intellectual property to londonbridge.com.

William P Flynn

Dec 20th 2008, 23:19

MrSammut

Is your Flag argument so impoverished? Calling me "old grumpy" is all you have left?

The raw GC /Times poll, from memory, showed approximately 25% were against and undecided. MrSammut, when you board a bus, go to a theatre; festa etc., look around and imagine how many people that would represent.

That's before proper information dissemination to the younger generation so they know how it happened, in what way and by whom.

The operahouse bombsite is a lasting colonial dagger in the heart of Valletta for all to see that says it all. The Marshal Plan lockout, the substitute offer of loans, seeing "enemy" Europe rebuilt while the Cottoniera was still riddled with ruins 20 years after the war were slaps in the face to war-crucified Malta.

The defacement of our flag by a British foreigner, who was in Malta just two years, was a spit on our sacred ancient flag by a supercilious, racist, and ungrateful colonialism.

Regrettably every country has its lackeys. But he majority of free-born Maltese people would never tolerate the GC on the Flag if they knew the full facts.

The Republic must and I believe, will, restore its True Flag.

Ian Waugh

Dec 20th 2008, 22:48

Dear Denis,

You say: "Should the Opera House be rebuilt are you willing to donate the domain name www.maltaoperahouse.com?" ....

I want it to go on record that it would be my great pleasure to donate the domain name maltaoperahouse.com to whoever runs and operates the new facility on the current Opera House bomb site WHEN the new building is erected and only WHEN the current site is exclusively used for Maltese theatre, culture and arts and not Parliament!

Only one little condition … I can attend the opening night and there's facilities for the disabled.
____________________________________________________________________

Thousands of us agree about this. It’s really exciting and many people will be thrilled to see theatre returned to the site of the Opera House.

It will earn Valletta greater credibility with a new exciting venue and bring genuine joy to the site once again.

Go for it Dr. Gonzi! You will bring happiness to your citizens and a buzz to the rest of us fellow Europeans who visit Malta every year.

Denis Catania

Dec 20th 2008, 15:17

@Ian Waugh: Who would want POW's to rebuild our Opera house. Once the war was over POW's belonged home with thier loved ones. As far as the George cross. Yes you are right it is between the people of Malta and Buckingham Palace, but someone has to speak out. But you must agree that the beating the Maltese took from WW2 Malta deserved the highest medal for Bravery. In the mean time you are doing a fantastic job and thank you.

Should the Opera House be rebuilt are you willing to donate the domain name www.maltaoperahouse.com???

Raymond Sammut

Dec 20th 2008, 13:52

Denis :

The Victoria Cross is a military decoration. King George VI established the George Cross specifically for civilians, anticipating the need just as the war was intensifying (1940). The Victoria Cross is higher in precedence only in those rare occasions when both decorations are awarded to the same entity, else they have the same rank.

Queen Elizabeth II was only a young girl when her father awarded the cross to Malta, and she would have had no say in it. You can bet your bottom dollar.

Also, only recently, The Times conducted a survey on whether readers would retain the cross on the national flag. A large majority, including myself, voted in the affirmative. Not much reason for grumpy old William P Flynn in down under to celebrate.

Ian Waugh

Dec 20th 2008, 11:35

Mr. Flynn ... Thanks very much for that and I fully understand that "shabby treatment by colonial Britain still rankles". Trust me when I say that it causes me certain irritation, resentment and especially embarrassment that certain matters were handled in such a high handed and seemingly uncaring fashion. As for the website - no idea what the future holds!

Mr. Sammut ... The picture on the front page of the website has never been published before. It was taken by a soldier who was serving in Malta in 1942. I purchased a copy from his son. From what I know it was taken the night before the raid that destroyed the Opera House. Apart from the damage caused to the building I have no detail whatsoever of that particular raid ... if anyone can help me with that information, I would be very much obliged. The image on the "Background" page was taken by the same soldier the day after that specific raid.

Mr. Catania ... From my limited research I believe German P.O.W.'s did offer to rebuild. As for The George Cross that's a matter between the people of Malta and Buckingham Palace.

William P Flynn

Dec 20th 2008, 07:59

@ IanWaugh

My point is the future Malta opera house may have to buy its own eponymous website from you.

The world has moved on; but clearly the opera house hasn't. How many unrestored WWII bomb sites in London?

Not your personal fault I know. But shabby treatment by colonial Britain still rankles with us oldies.

Raymond Sammut

Dec 20th 2008, 03:39

@ Ian Waugh

The picture of the Opera House that you show on your website is very beautiful. I had never seen that particular one before.

There can be no doubt in the mind of Maltese anywhere in the world that this is a Maltese national monument that should be restored. There should, at the least, be a national referendum held by the Maltese people on Malta on the issue.

A newly restored Opera House would not need to be used solely for theatre. The interior could be designed for general use that would make the building economically self-sufficient under good management.

The Opera House site is not the only "scandal". The much bigger scandal lies in the fact that areas adjacent to the City Gate entrance had been so grossly miss-used and under-invested by successive post-WWII governments. In my view, the City Gate project will never get done right unless first, all those vulgar structures are first demolished, removed, and scraped off.

Denis Catania

Dec 20th 2008, 03:00

Build the site as an Opera House with German money. The George Cross should be given back to the Queen, while she is alive. The Victoria cross is what we deserved. As it's highest medal for bravery.

Ian Waugh

Dec 19th 2008, 13:29

Dear D. Vella:

My original copy read: "The design a matter for Maltese, designers and architects", the fact it has subtly altered has confused my point here, namely the design issue is a local matter and has no connection with the debate regarding site usage.

Dear William P Flynn,

"How come after all that money and effort www.maltaoperahouse.com copyright belongs to a foreigner?" ... your point being?
___________________________________________________

Thanks very to a great many who have written to me regarding this debate and the supporters here.

I was only born in the mid-1950's so I can't comment on the decisions and activities of previous wartime and post-war British governments. And even if I had that capacity I definitely would not necessarily agree with certain policies that were dished out by a fast shrinking colonial former power.

The world has moved on.

To reinforce my words ... a dedicated building for Parliament is well overdue. Along with a growing number of Maltese citizens and 'foreigners' living in Malta and beyond I simply feel the opera house bomb should be used for Maltese theatre, arts and culture ... not politics. The design is not my issue and we are not being "nostalgic"!

D Vella

Dec 19th 2008, 10:48

Dear Ian Waugh,

The Chamber of Architects and Civil Engineers has expressed itself on this issue and has welcomed the fact that an outstanding Architect of world reknown has been selected for this project. Implicit in their statements perhaps, is the undeniable fact that there exists no single maltese Architect that can lay claim to the worldwide reknown and indisputable excellence of Renzo Piano. Your claim that the design is a matter for Maltese Architects is a non-issue as is the repeated clamour of the people who want to see a re-creation of the former building. People who want to speak about architecture should really learn something about the subject before writing the kind of nostalgic-hysteria nonsense we have been seeing in the last days. One of the fundamental and most basic principles of ALL great Architecture is that it reflects the era and culture that produced it. Re-creating a pastiche copy of the former building will be no more than a giant fake carnival mask because it will not carry these credentials. After all, Edward Middleton Barry did exactly that when he was originally commissioned and imposed a Neo-Classical design on an essentially Baroque dominated city!!!

Gerard Cassar

Dec 18th 2008, 21:57

Was not a local referendum carried out concerning the Royal Opera site. THe result was in favour of a theater. It was during Labour adminstration 1996 1999.
The local Council carrid out the referendum to induce the government to adjust its plans to a theatre as it was before the war.. Has this been forgotten. If yes how many more projects have been forgotten

J. Schembri

Dec 18th 2008, 18:55

Malta 'entered' the war because of Britain. Britain gave war damage payments to Maltese citizens ,objected for Marshal Aid to Malta,and did not build the theater from War Damage funds.
Did someone mention "scandalous"?

CE Agius

Dec 18th 2008, 17:16

Away with politics please - give us back the Opera House as IT WAS AND ON THE SAME SITE.

Use the same foundations with an inscription showing that only the foundations were left after the Italian/German bombardments.

Let the people judge - have a referendum - after all Malta belongs to ALL MALTESE.

Mr Cassey: as to your I can see your I can see the never ending queue of people just waiting to buy a ticket to get in on a daily basis" why not? If we are given value for money, with international performances, the you can judge for yourself.
As for your reference to the cultural centre, we know the story: this will be placed in some forgotten corner where nobody will notice it.

Bertie O'Cassey

Dec 18th 2008, 12:59

Yes you are right Mr Waugh, there is a need for another theatre in Malta. I can see the never ending queue of people just waiting to buy a ticket to get in on a daily basis!!!!! The manoel should be restored and if possible given a facelift.

Maybe parliament shouldn't be placed on that site but we definatly do not need another theatre (including the one in Gozo). Also in addition to parliament you might have noticed that there will be cultural centre included.

William P Flynn

Dec 18th 2008, 11:29

How come after all that money and effort www.maltaoperahouse.com copyright belongs to a foreigner?

William P Flynn

Dec 18th 2008, 10:54

Mr Waugh, maybe if the British didn't lock Malta out of the USA Marshal Aid at war's end, the Malta Opera House would have been rebuilt at about the same time the one the Allies bombed in Hamburg, Germany. Marshall Aid helped rebuild and by 1960 the Hamburg Thalia Theatre was back in business.

The Colonial Office told our first PM Dr Pawlu Boffa, they couldn't give Malta any Marshal Aid, bad precedent for the colonies. They did, however, helped themselves voraciously to it and magnanimously, offered Malta a loan.


I mean seeing as we were allies, Churchill's unsinkable aircraft carrier, shortened the war by one year, saved the allies countless millions in war expenses and lives, and, oh yes, got the George Cross and other British Colonial blah blah blah....

However, back to the present, I agree that the Opera House should be rebuilt on its original site.

CE Agius

Dec 18th 2008, 10:48

I fully agree with Ian Waugh. This is the forth letter i'm writing begging our PM to reconsider his move. First it was the Law Courts building, then it was City Gate and now the Opera House - three different types of architecture in our City. Shame on whoever planned or is planning for the next horrible building.

Do we - the taxpayers have a voice or it 's only heard in election period.

The opera House should stand as it was initially, on the same foundations it was built on. Peter Seragino inglott during one of his debates said that there's nothing to reconstruct as everything has gone. NO SIR - the foundations are still there and could be used again. The Colosseum in Rome was patched up and is a landmark in Rome - why should the Maltese people immaterial of the colour or creed be deprived of an Opera House. It would be our landmark.

Don't tell me it would be uneconomical to run. Would not Paino's dream need maintenance or we are to believe that his building will be maintenance free? Foreigners are more conscious than us - it's a shame.

J. Baldacchino

Dec 18th 2008, 10:37

Mr. Ian Waugh,

I could not agree with you more. I simply have nothing to add on to your letter except to tell you that I am sure that an innumerable number of Maltese citizens definitely agree with this - placing Parliament in a site designated for culture and the arts is an incredibly bad idea - without this being turned into any form of political issue whatsoever. I would disagree with placing Parliament there irrespective of whoever proposed it - the site should be a monument to Maltese theatre and culture and nothing less.
You have my full support in this! I hope these voices are heard and not ignored...