Michael Bonello, Mdina
The Opera House is large enough
Eric Parnis rightly points out that "just about every opera one can think of was performed at the Royal Opera House" (The Opera House Saga, December 30).
The Prime Minister is wrongly advised that the footprint of the Opera House is too small for present day productions.
It is not, as can be seen from this photograph. If my eyesight serves me right there are 33 performers standing in one line across the stage, making it more than wide enough for any present day performance be it opera or otherwise.
At St James Cavalier the performers would just about take up the entire theatre and at the Manoel they would have to stand at least two deep.
Perhaps the government should be a bit more careful and look further afield in its search for "advisers".
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Maisa Bugeja
Jan 9th 2009, 10:58
The Opera House site is most definitely large enough for any opera (the Manoel Theatre obviously isn't).
If Parliament needs to be re-housed the ideal location from the point of view of security would be the existing Mediterranean Conference Centre which has already stood the test of CHOGM.This would also solve the current problem of the allocation of the priceless tapestries which would fittingly grace the Parliament.
St Elmo could then complement Parliament as a cultural/arts centre, breathing life into this part of Valletta.
The Opera House could then be rebuilt on the original plans-the majority of people want this as it was, surely they should be listened to!The theatre props and sound systems would be made 'state of the art' but all would welcome the rebuilding of this fine structure.
So come on,let's get on with it and do things as they should be done without making mistakes we'll regret later.
vincent a galea
Jan 2nd 2009, 21:32
What has one to do to make the authorities understand that the Maltese in their majority want their Opera House back? And they want it on the original site in the entrance of our Capital City! And many want the Barry design back!!
Do the authorities read the newspapers? Do the citizens of these Islands mean anything to the those in power, apart from during the days prior to elections?!
I am sure that the decision has already unilatarily been taken! Otherwise I challenge the Government to hold a referendum on this matter of such National importance!!!
And please we do not need any foreigners to tell us what to do in our Country and how!!
Stop insulting our intelligence!
John M. Grima
Jan 2nd 2009, 19:15
Pardon my ignorance but, can anyone please tell me, what is wrong with the present residence of parliament?
And if Castilia is no longer suitable, would the Palace not be the ideal place for the parliament?
Anne Marie Kissaun
Jan 2nd 2009, 16:02
I fully agree with the write up of Mr. Eric Parnis and Mr. Michael Bonello. Why are all these excuses being presented for no reason whatsoever. It was good enough in previous years why not now. Having Parliament House instead is a ludicrous idea. There are other places in Valletta where Parliament could be housed. These locations have already been mentioned many a time so I will refrain from repetition. Wherever you go, throughout most of the world, there is an Opera House, why not Malta, what is so different about our Island. Any way, in my opinion, the Opera House is for the public and of the public especially if the public Taxes are going into it. I sincerely hope that common sense will prevail.