The headline of the front page story on March 1 should have read Partial Roof For The Maltese People's Theatre, not ...Piano's Theatre. He was merely entrusted to submit plans, nothing else.

We do not share Renzo Piano's excitement for his "magical" place; for his idea of keeping the ruins, turning them into a piazza, partly shielded by sail-like, side panels, and adding a water proof fabric sliding roof.

When Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi decided on this project he did not consult the people of Malta and Gozo, and if and when he does meet those concerned for a consulting exercise, including our union hopefully, I am sure we can come up with alternative plans for a 1,200 seat auditorium.

Mr Piano should look at the famous European theatres, especially within the Italian cities, to see if our own theatre space can rejoin the circuit he mentions. Some of these theatres are even smaller than the one Malta had.

Malta should have its theatre rebuilt. It is part of its heritage and should be duly returned to its people.