Whatstheirnames Theatre are presenting Yasmina Reza’s multi-award-winning comedy once again this weekend at the MADC Playhouse in Santa Venera.
The play, directed by Malcolm Galea includes Nathan Brimmer, Joseph Zammit and Philip Leone-Ganado as cast.
For those who have not heard or read of Art yet, here are a couple of lines which might whet one’s appetite for more: “My friend Serge has just bought a painting. It is a canvas about five feet by four: white. The background is white and if you screw up your eyes you can just about make out some fine white diagonal lines…”
The first performances of Art received praiseworthy reviews: André Delicata writing for The Times, said: “When French playwright Yasmina Reza first created the piece, she set a challenge for anybody attempting to put up her play due to the fact that its fast pace, throwaway lines and machine-gun dialogue are incredibly hard to pull off convincingly. I am pleased to say that the latest local production, staged by Whatstheirnames Theatre, managed to fulfil my expectations to the highest degree… the three actors have definitely made it in creating darkly comedic mayhem of the finest quality.”
While Paul Xuereb, writing for The Sunday Times said: “These actors... because of their youth, however, give the play a distinct flavour.”
UK’s Financial Times said: "Art not only brings to the stage a topic debate, it makes it invigorating, touching, and finally disturbing." And The Times of London said the performance was “A remarkably wise, witty and intelligent comedy, Art has touched a universal nerve”.
Art is being staged tonight and tomorrow at 8 p.m. Tickets can be obtained by e-mail: artbookings@gmail.com .
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Visual Arts
Tomorrow till April 5
Magie Des Couleurs
French painter Colette Marchant is showing a series of works at the The Cittadella Centre for Culture and the Arts, Victoria.
Till Sunday
Fragments of Tibet
A photographic exhibition by Aaron Micallef is being held at the Malta Maritime Museum, Vittoriosa. This event promotes Tibetan art and culture through 38 photographic exhibits and seven rare thangka paintings.
Till March 28
Exhibition by Audrey Torrero
Audrey Torrero is showing a series of works at the Malta Society of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce, Palazzo de La Salle, 219, Republic Street, Valletta. Opening hours: Monday to Friday between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. and 4 till 7 p.m. Saturday between 10 a.m. and noon.
Till March 21
Contemporary Districts#2: Tel Aviv
Photographer Giovanni De Angelis presents Tel Aviv, Israel from the great metropolis of contradictions as the city celebrates its 100 years of political and religious upheaval. Showing at the main hall of St James Cavalier, Valletta.
Till March 31
Cosmic Art
An exhibition of works by artists Lilika Papanicolaou and “Turo” Arthur Rizzo is currently showing at Assaggi Restaurant, Qaliet Street, St Julians.
Till March 31
Vexilla Regis
This collective exhibition features works by Kevin Attard, Michael Falzon, Gaetano Saliba and Christian Muscat. Crosses, crucifixes, rosaries and other sacred art items will be on display at Betlehem Bazaar/Scerri Art Studio 59, Melita Street, Valletta.
Till April 2
A Language Within + PIC
Gozitan artist John Grima is exhibiting a series of painting at the Auberge d’Italie, Merchants Street, Valletta.
Till April 4
Nocturnes
Gozitan artist Mark Sagona is currently showing his latest collection of paintings at Le Meridien St Julians Hotel & Spa (Exhibition Area, Level 1).
Till April 4
Dreams and Visions
An exhibition of painted ceramics by Vincent Camilleri is showing at the Heritage Malta Head Office, Valletta. Open Monday to Friday between 9 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. (Last admission at 4 p.m.).
Till April 11
Inspire
The Eden and Razzett Foundation (Gozo) have organised a collective art and antique furniture exhibition at 18, Republic Street, Victoria. Opening hours: from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. This event is in aid of Inspire, The Foundation For Inclusion.
Till April 19
Transit Station
This collective exhibition hosted by the Malta Contemporary Art foundation and curated by Kris Van Dessel is showing at St James Cavalier’s upper galleries.
Till April 25
Creative Impulse
Jackie Micallef is exhibiting a series of works at the Art Academy, Constitution Street, Mosta. The exhibition is open Monday to Friday between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. and 4 till 7 p.m. Saturdays between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Performing Arts
Today, tomorrow and Sunday
Painting by Numbers + PIC
A comedy by Simon Mawdsley, produced by Masquerade and directed by Anthony Bezzina. The cast includes: Malcolm Galea, Alan Paris, Paul Portelli and Edward Degaetano. In this hilarious but uncompromising comedy, four prison inmates await the arrival of an art teacher from the local college, but when she fails to arrive they endeavour to teach themselves how to paint. Their “journey of creation” takes them on a collision course with the prison authorities, and with each other. Doors are opened and imaginations run riot – and that’s when their problems really start.
Showing at St James Cavalier, Valletta, shows start at 8 p.m.
March 27, 28
The BFG (Big Friendly Giant)
The BFG tells the tale of how orphan Sophie was snatched by the lovable English language-mangling, dream-blowing Big Friendly Giant (BFG). They become friends and team up with the Queen to save children all over the world from the bone-crunching, flesh-guzzling, filthy old fizzwiggling giants that lurk the streets during the night.
Based on a play by Roald Dahl, BFG is being staged by Teatru Qroqq, produced and directed by Isabelle Gatt, musical arrangements and voice coaching by Sigo.
Showing at the MITP Centre, Valletta.
Music/Concerts
Today, Sunday;
March 22 and 24
BoV Opera Festival
The week-long operatic festival showcases different activities and this year’s line-up includes an exciting array of full-length pieces and popular highlights. The Manoel’s own productions of Aleko and La cambiale del matrimonio are being staged today. Both pieces will be conducted by Brian Schembri, artistic directed by Angelika Frenzel and performed by the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra.
The programme progresses with a vocal recital, featuring operatic arias, on Sunday.
This will be followed on Monday and Wednesday by Alcina, produced and performed by the Weiner Akademie, conducted by Maurice van Lieshout, and with the Capella Leopoldina Ensemble playing on period instruments.
All performances start at 7.30 p.m.
Tomorrow
Hilton Swings
A swing journey from Frank Sinatra to the modern sounds of Michael Buble produced by Sigmund Mifsud, who is also musical director of the event. The concert starts at 7 p.m. Tickets may be purchased from www.biljetti.com. More information may be obtained by phone on 2180 8080 or 9942 3260.
Sunday
Met Opera Matinée
Featuring the Carmen by Georges Bizet, this is an encore performance taking place at St James Cavalier, Valletta at 2.45 p.m.
March 24
Performers’ Platform Concert Series
Produced by St James Cavalier, this edition will feature Darren Micallef on trombone, Carmel Cachia on the euphonium and Yvette Maria Galea on piano. The concert will take place in the music room of St James Cavalier at 12.35 p.m.
March 25
Spectrum... From Purcell to Menotti
A vocal concert as part of the St Catherine of Italy lunchtime concert series organised by St James Cavalier Centre for Creativity, Valletta, featuring Alexandra Scicluna, mezzo-soprano and Roberto Debono, pianist. The concert starts at 12.30 p.m.
March 27
Met Opera Season
Presenting Hamlet by Ambroise Thomas. The Metropolitan Opera’s Peabody and Emmy Award-winning series live in high definition with English subtitles. Showing at St James Cavalier, Valletta. Doors open at 6.30 p.m. curtain up at 7 p.m.
March 27, 28
Scugnizza
An operetta by Carlo Lombardo and Mario Costa produced by the Valletta Dramatic Company. An evening of entertainment and good music is guaranteed. Being staged at the Manoel Theatre at 7.30 p.m.
Talks, tours and other
Tonight
Musical-literary evening
Forming part of Jum iż-Żejtun organised by the Żejtun local council. During this special event, extracts by authors who took part in the literary competition, will be read. This will be followed by the distribution of certificates and prizes to the three winners as well as musical intervals. The climax of the evening will be the awarding of Gieħ iż-Żejtun.
Sunday
Spring Equinox
The Mnajdra Temple will be open for the spring equinox and there will be guided tours. A limited number of tickets are available for purchase from the Museum of Archaeology, Republic Street, Valletta.
Sunday
Open Day at the Chapel of the Annunciation at Ħal Millieri
An open day from 9 a.m. till 6 p.m. organised by volunteers of Din l-Art Ħelwa, National Trust of Malta, at the mediaeval chapel, will celebrate the feast of the Annunication. Holy Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. followed by blessing of the adjoining churchyards. Guided tours by historians will take place at 11.15 a.m. and at 3.15 p.m.
March 23
The Value of Culture
John Holden, a UK leading cultural expert will give a public lecture at St James Cavalier Centre for Creativity (Music Room) at 6.30 pm. Entrance is free of charge. The event is organised by the British Council.
Useful contacts
St James Cavalier
Tel.: 2122 3200
info@sjcav.org
www.sjcav.org
Manoel Theatre
Tel: 2124 6389
bookings@teatrumanoel.com.mt
www.manoeltheatre.com.mt