Juan Ameen
Prime Minister willing to discuss Valletta open-air theatre idea
A model of the proposed open-air theatre drawn up by architect Renzo Piano. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier.
The Prime Minister is willing to discuss the proposed open-air theatre in Valletta with architect Renzo Piano and the 128 artistes and theatre users opposing the concept.
Lawrence Gonzi made the comment when reacting to an appeal for consultation made by 128 artistes from the Maltese theatre scene, who signed an open letter calling on the government to discuss the future of the old opera house in Valletta.
"I'm glad the letter I received yesterday called for dialogue. I'm ready to do that. I would also like architect Renzo Piano, or representatives of his office, to take part and explain the concepts and limitations of the site," Dr Gonzi said yesterday.
The open letter was delivered by hand to Castille on Tuesday and is backed by Maltese personalities of all backgrounds. It includes names of international and local repute such as tenor Joseph Calleja, dancer Felix Busuttil, veteran actor Lino Farrugia and philosopher Fr Peter Serracino Inglott. The artistes had complained about lack of consultation on the new theatre, which, they said, was not a solution to the "huge shortcomings" found in other theatres.
But Dr Gonzi emphasised that the concept of an open-air theatre was Mr Piano's brainchild and not the government's. "Piano believes that it should remain an open space for our country to have a variety of spaces to be used for art and culture."
These ideas, however, were open to consultation, he said.
In their letter, the artistes argued that the proposed open-air theatre would repeat and lead to other problems they were already facing in Maltese theatres.
Dr Gonzi said that while the comments about the shortcomings in Maltese theatres were all valid and should be addressed by the government, "I don't think it makes sense to build another theatre like the Manoel Theatre, one of the country's jewels."
"I think that we should continue this discussion to find the best solutions for art, theatre and culture. I'm open to suggestions on what these solutions are," he said.
Popular Stories
Update 3: Woman found dead in car,...
Updated: Woman dies in car crash
Carm Mifsud Bonnici resigns after...
Part of Dwejra 'Azure window' collapses
The end of the bar that ‘never closed’
Bundy does not know whether to...
Updated - Jason Micallef demands...
This WAS the night - Kurt makes it...
Petrol price up 6c
In Discussion
Updated - Jason Micallef demands...
Gozo tunnel could take 5-7 years to...
CABS remote controlled aircraft shot...
Carm Mifsud Bonnici resigns after...
Joseph Calleja condemns portrayal of...
Updated: Labour would give...
CABS drone shot down
Second group of migrants arrives
Adrian Vassallo in scathing...
6 Comments
Post comment
Please sign in or create your Account to post comments.
Joseph A Borg
Feb 19th 2010, 08:41
@ ASpiteri: "in a baroque city such as valletta … the people’s aspiration for the theatre is to see it back to its original glory of Barry’s magnificent architecture!"
Now you want a homogeneous baroque city or a city that honestly reflects it's past and boldly faces its future? Because if you want the first, then you'd have to tear down the neo-classical buildings, including Barry's and some gardens…
I cannot understand the sycophantic boot licking of the british empire – even the brits are past that! The knights at least made this country their home and tied their future with ours. The British simply used us as a floating harbor to consolidate their power over mediterranean shipping.
Andre` Micallef
Feb 19th 2010, 08:23
Should the Piano brief for this madcap roofless theatre ever come to fruition and be inaugurated one day, may I suggest to all level-headed people who have the performing arts at heart and who oppose this open-air theatre idea, to BOYCOTT not only the inauguration ceremony, but ALL performances which will be taking place inside it. The message to government should be loud and clear that any philistine imposition with regard to the arts sector will not pay off.
j.saliba
Feb 18th 2010, 20:31
A. Spiteri is speaking for the people who oppose any gov. initiative. He is not speaking for me. I like the whole project including the open-air theatre because of its uniqueness here. Brings nostalgic memories of my childhood when my father acted in the open air 'teatrin ta mariannina' in Msida. There will be a lot to learn from a dialogue in which architect Piano discusses the subject with more than a hundred artists and including the Prime Minister. Wish I be there.
J Abela
Feb 18th 2010, 17:15
speak for yourself Mr A Spiteri. What gives you the authority to speak for me?
ASpiteri
Feb 18th 2010, 11:08
May i advise the prime minister that the people’s concerns about this whole project aren’t limited to those raised by these artists!
The people are opposing the project...
...the concept of the gateless city gate, back to its original glory or might as well leave the present garage door...
...the parliament futuristic plans in a baroque city such as valletta and having the country’s highest institution facing a block of apartments...
...and most of all, the people’s aspiration for the theatre is to see it back to its original glory of Barry’s magnificent architecture!
anything else from these 3 uncompromising stands will only help boosting the current persistent opposition from the people!
D. Scerri
Feb 18th 2010, 10:16
Mr Piano also suggested a different seating layout to parliament. The government had no reservations about overruling that.