Appeal for rethink on opera house (3)

The decision to build a house for Parliament on the site of the old Teatru Rjal has been welcomed by very few indeed, and has been strongly criticised in the press by many, including such highly respected persons connected in different ways with theatre as Peter Serracino Inglott, Joe Friggieri, John Schranz, Joe Vella Bondin and Joseph Calleja. Lawrence Gonzi and his cabinet colleagues do not seem to realise what a blow their decision has dealt all those persons for whom culture and art in Malta still remain as a pillar of our identity even after decades of hopes and unfulfilled promises by the governments that have ruled us.

I strongly support Prof. Friggieri's appeal (The Gate And The Gap, December 30) for the government "to revise its plans and respect the natural vocation of the old opera site by providing for its development as an adequate centre for the performing arts". They would be most unwise to ignore it.