Shawn Abela, Naxxar
Peter Panto: enjoyable but far too loud
On December 30, most of my family went to the MFCC, Ta' Qali, to watch the pantomime, Peter Panto. Parking was not a problem and there was also a special guest, President George Abela.
While everyone seemed to be enjoying it, the biggest blemish in an otherwise good performance was the very loud sound. That, coupled with the pitch of some of the singers, made it one deafening experience.
In the interval, other attendees could be heard saying the same thing. The amplification was way too high for the area in question and that this loud sound detracted from the performance.
Very loud average levels are usually around 85 decibels (dB). The levels on the day in question were probably of a different magnitude altogether, something over 100 dB, akin to a jet engine.
A handheld sound monitoring device can easily ascertain scientifically what the loudness was and I am 100 per cent sure it was way into dangerous levels.
While I acknowledge there is no way of avoiding at least temporary exposure to loud music if we want to guarantee the greatest possible measure of artistic freedom, in most theatres there are usually several arrays of speakers (at lower volume) to reach all the audience members, staggered from the front to the back, rather than huge speakers at the front (at much higher volume) to make do for everyone.
Technical measures to reduce dB exposure levels include architectural changes aimed at improving the acoustics of a room, sound shields or, in the case of the tent in question, sound-absorbing materials that could also be used to cover the walls and ceilings.
Given that it enjoyed full house and sold out performances most days, coupled with the fact that there were numerous kids in the audience, I suggest that for next year this matter is tackled thoroughly.
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C.Scerri
Jan 17th 2010, 16:50
In my opinion, it is the fact that evacuating the place in case of emergency would take far too long. Those up on the higher seats could only pass through a narrow path down the steps and waiting for the ones in front to leave the hall. There were (are) no emergency exits at the back. It took us over 10 minutes to get out of the hall, and this when done in an orderly manner.
I think that someone must have erred very badly when it gave this place the green ligfht as far as safety is concerned.
R.Zammit
Jan 17th 2010, 12:57
My complaint concerns the seating. With such a large venue, they were far too miserly with the leg room. Besides physically not fitting in the space provided, it was also a nightmare when somebody else wishes to enter/exit the row.
Secondly, I would have expected the organizers of a show for kids to provide booster seats. As it was, my wife and I endured our kids on our laps throughout the entire performace, which when compounded by the lack of leg room - left the parents pretty miserable.