Joe M. Zahra, Birżebbuġa
A new theatre would be a waste
Have we ever asked whether there is room for another full-blown theatre in Valletta? Have we ever asked how much will it cost the taxpayer to keep such another new theatre open?
These are the questions we should be asking now that the demolition of the shops on one side of Freedom Square in Valletta will herald the start of the City Gate project that includes the Parliament building, the open air theatre and a revamped City Gate.
Is there need for another theatre in Valletta? In our capital city there was never space for two theatres\opera houses functioning together. The fate of the Manoel Theatre is proof of this. When the Opera House was erected in 1866, the Manoel Theatre fell into disuse and served as a house for beggars. In May 1861 the Manoel was rented on a provisional lease and thus Malta remained without an opera house for five years, that is until the Barry Opera House was inaugurated. It was only when the Opera House was heavily damaged by fire in 1873 and had to be built again internally, that the Manoel was used again as an opera house. Only to revert to a cinema and a dance hall when the Opera House was again restored and reopened in 1877.
Following the bombing of the opera house in 1942, Malta again remained without an opera house and it was only after the government bought the Manoel Theatre in 1947, which was reopened in 1960 as a National Theatre, that we again had an opera house. Since then the Manoel was restored to its pristine glory, rehabilitated, and the stage and back stage were extended.
In the past 10 years the government contributed €2.5 million to the Manoel for its management and a further €1.5 million were invested in capital projects for restoration and rehabilitation. Going by past history I wonder whether there will be space for the Manoel if another theatre catering for the same type of operatic and other musical concerts was to be built in Valletta.
The Mediterranean Conference Centre (MCC) up to some years ago was receiving a yearly government contribution of about €300,000 towards its management. The government lately commissioned Sir Cameron Mackintosh to inquire whether it is feasible to upgrade the MCC into a theatre thus addressing the artists' concern that we do not have a world standard theatre or opera house. He came out with a plan that will now be discussed. But if the MCC is turned into a world standard theatre, will this compete with the Manoel Theatre? Will it replace the Manoel and take their patrons? After all, is not the Manoel a world class theatre?
The St James Cavalier, rehabilitated and restored in the late 1990s and converted into a Centre of Creativity at a cost of around €10 million, during the past 10 years received a government contribution of €3.8 million towards its management. The government's contribution towards these three cultural entities explains why no one of them is self supporting even though all three cater for different cultural activities.
In these circumstances why should we have another theatre/opera house in Valletta? A new Opera House will definitely compete with the Manoel and with a revamped MCC. This will definitely result in waste of human and financial resources.
Our Prime Minister, who should be commended by all for the realisation of the Piano project, wanted the opera house site to be turned into a Parliament House with a cultural space. But Renzo Piano was of the opinion that the opera house site should remain a monument to what Malta went through and should be turned into an open air theatre. He suggested that Parliament House, which in a democracy should take pride of place, should be built in Freedom Square which today is a shame for all Maltese citizens. At the same time the President's Palace, which besides the palace houses Parliament, will be turned into a centre of Maltese culture and identity. The only thing which I would like to see is a folding roof on the open air theatre as the one over the yard of the Manoel Theatre.
This is no time for stubborn pride or demonstrations. It is time to move forward with this project which will give back our capital city past glory and dignity.
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Peter Dingli
Mar 28th 2010, 07:56
A nation's heritage is valued in many ways. From a purely financial view point, the tourist dollar is a stream of income government applauds. And who can deny that Malta’s pride isn’t boosted by the unique quality of its icons. The Opera House must be such an icon again!
I wonder why, when given the opportunity of restoring an elite edifice to its former glory, the Conservative response seems to result in the denial of these icons to be enjoyed by the people. It seems as though we are being told that we do not deserve to have something of great beauty.
A cultural heritage is everyone’s legacy, the people have lived through it and future generations will want to be part of it. Our heritage is irreplaceable. And it is also a gift to all visitors who come to the Island.
Like the Megalithic temples or the Knights of St John and their deeds, The Royal Opera has a place in our collective memory and deserves to rise above the petty politics that surround it.
Gorge Bajada
Mar 28th 2010, 04:12
What is missing in Malta is artistic freedom, where art can flourish and inspire originality.
You can have as much theatres as you like, the benefit is, it will increase competition and the quality of artistic ability. but that is not the authority's priority.
Maltese waste too much time on politics and going to church than attending to a performing art because what's been on display have to be within the boundaries of authorities.
A good example of this, is the proposal of the ruins at City Gate Project. I have nothing against revamping City Gate (that much needs attention) but building a new parliament house instead of a Theatre, says it all.
Society is build on art and culture and not on egos and making money. Money come and go but art is for ever. History taught me that.
John Grima
Mar 27th 2010, 14:56
Thank you for the information Joe. I find it most interesting. However, things have progressed drammatically since the days you mention. Today the avarage Maltes person has money in his/her pocket. Attending a performance by a travelling theatre group, musicals, concerts, are very popular. It is also the computer age. news travel fast. It is the age of Andrew Lloyd Webber, Joseph Calleja. The Manoel Theatre is most ellegant. Very nostalgic. And I see no reason why it should be effected by another theatre in Valletta. Attendance depends on what is showing and where. Yes. Joe. There IS room for another full blown theatre in Valletta. First of all, we want the old Opera House rebuilt to its former splendor. To be used for the performing arts. Don't forgett. Tourists visiting Malta for a few weeks also enjoy going out to a favourite performance for the evening. At to making money? No theatre on earth ever made big money.
joseph cachia
Mar 27th 2010, 14:30
Only PIANO will benefit from the theatre building .
And perhaps after receiving his fee make a donation to some organisation
Valletta area space should be utilised to business premises and arcades,were eveyone
will benefit from.
For the few and history MANOEL is more than enough
Joseph Schembri
Mar 27th 2010, 14:27
Finally some good writing and sense. NO we do not need another theatre.
James A. Tyrrell
Mar 27th 2010, 12:56
Joe you appear to be concerned about the cost of a new theatre but it doesn't seem to concern you that your Government are prepared to spend at the very least 100 million Euro on a new Parliament building and an excuse for a theatre. I say at least 100 million because by the time it actually gets finished and everyone has dipped their snouts in the financial trough it will be much more. All this for a building that will be used for a few select days in every year, will spoil the look of the entrance to Valletta and will be no use to anyone except a few elected idiots.
God forbid they should actually spend your money on a genuine theatre, one with a roof, which would actually be used every day of the year for some activity or other and contribute to the economy of the country!