In transit(ion)

Anthropologist Elise Billiard is giving a public lecture on the topic of public spaces tonight as part of the Transit Urban Art Project.

Dr Billiard will discuss how public spaces are defined, why they are important and why some public spaces work better than others.

Public spaces are like a theatre in a city of strangers and offer the inhabitants an opportunity to relate to the city and its “energy” by providing a platform for what is possibly the most popular pastime ever, that of people watching people.

These spaces are physical spaces and not empty spaces and the way they are designed can help to bring life back to a city.

As such the role of urbanists and architects in designing public spaces is crucial to encourage local democracy and a sense of common good.

Dr Billiard will tackle issues within the Maltese context.

She will discuss whether in a nation with little sense of a common good (as argued by anthropologist Jeremy Boissevain) and where space is mostly private or restricted, there is a place where a sense of community can proliferate within a framework of public space.

• The lecture is being held at Europa House, 254, St Paul’s Street, Valletta, tonight at 6 p.m. Attendance is strictly by reservation on: info@davidpisani.com. Transit is supported by the Malta Arts Fund and the National Lotteries Good Causes Fund.

Visual Arts

This weekend
Open weekend at Lily Agius Gallery
A vast collection of art is on display at the gallery this weekend, including today. Artworks include paintings, photography, sculptures and books by many local and international artists including Amelia Saint George, Ben Maile, Celia Borg Cardona, Esprit Barthet, Gabriel Caruana, James Vella Clark, Norbert Francis Attard, Pat Kurs, Selina Scerri, Teresa Sciberras and Victor Pasmore. Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday, 11-1 p.m. and 4-7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. till 4 p.m.

Opens Saturday and runs till March 23
Myths and Gods
An exhibition of sculptures by Chris Ebejer will be showing at the Wignacourt Museum in Rabat.

Till March 11
Inspirations
An exhibition of works by Darren Spiteri will be on show at the Razzett tal-Markiż Mallia Tabone, Triq Wied il-Għasel, Mosta. Open from Monday to Sunday from 6 till 9 p.m. Sundays also from from 10 a.m. till noon.

Till March 17
Call Your Girlfriend
Matthew Attard Navarro’s first solo exhibition features a series of poignant photographs documenting male youth at St James Cavalier Centre for Creativity.

Till March 18
The City and The Artist
Organised by ArtConnect at the Manoel Theatre Courtyard with the aim of focusing on the rich immediate surroundings of the venue which has given so much to the arts community over the years. Participating artists include: Carmel Bonello; John Martin Borg; Celia Borg Cardona; Anton Calleja; Paul Caruana; Catherine Cavallo; Anna Galea; Winston Hassall; Richard Saliba; Arnold Sultana; James Vella Clark and Kenneth Zammit Tabona.

Till March 20
A Different Perspective
An exhibition of works by John Martin Borg is showing at the Contemporary Hall, The National Museum of Fine Arts, Valletta. Free entrance. Open Monday to Sunday 9 a.m. till 4.30 p.m. (last admission 4 p.m.).

Till March 24
Emotional Harmonies
An exhibition of works by Rachele Bianchi will be on show at Opus64 Galerie, Tigne Street, Sliema.
www.opus64galerie.com

Till March 28
Freized… Continued
An exhibition of works by Unni Askeland is showing at the Loggia, National Museum of Fine Arts, Valletta. Free entrance. Open Monday to Sunday between 9 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. (last admission 4 p.m.).

Till March 30
Silver Palette Art Competition & Exhibition 2012
A collective exhibition is showing at the Malta Society of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce – Palazzo de La Salle, 219 Republic Street, Valletta.

Till March 31
Interim
A recent collection of paintings by James Vella Clark is showing at Capotavola, Triq ix-Xatt, Marsascala.

Till March 31
Plastic Dreams
A collection of playful photographs by Elisa Von Brockdorff is on show at Angelica’s Café in Archbishop Street, Valletta.

Till April 8
Adoration of Mary
An exhibition by Zsusanna Ardo which explores the gender dynamics from the point of view of the female photographer and her female protagonist. A collaborative project between St James Cavalier and HeritageMalta.

Till April 29
Metal Magic: Spanish Treasures from the Khalili Collections
A selection of works from the Khalili Collections is showing at the Grand Salon of the National Museum of Archaeology.

Till April 30
A Cross-Section of My Art Life
Mary Clare Albanozzo is holding an art exhibition at her studio at 51A, Tigné Street, Sliema. Open every day. For private viewing call on 2137 1345 /9988 1197 or e-mail clarealbanozzo@gmail.com

Concerts/Music

Tonight
Spotlight On: Vocal Recital
A vocal recital by participants from Maltese soprano Juliette Bisazza’s masterclasses will be happening at The Manoel Theatre at 8 p.m.

March 12
Toi Toi 022
Another edition of Toi Toi, the baby-friendly (two years old and under) concert will take place at The Manoel Theatre at 1.30 p.m.

Performing Arts

Tomorrow, Saturday and Sunday
Penelope: Dust in Our Awakened Dreams
An internationally renowned performance artist has teamed up with Malta’s homegrown contemporary arts troupe, Rubberbodies, to feature solo performance work at the MTIP Theatre, St Christopher Street, Valletta. Tickets from St James Cavalier.

Tomorrow, Saturday and Sunday
The Female of the Species
Based on a real incident in the life of Germaine Greer, the iconic feminist academic, this deliciously wicked comedy deftly walks the tightrope between satire and farce, proving the female of the species is not only deadlier, but funnier, than the male. Unifaun is staging the performance at St James Cavalier at 8 p.m. Directed by Chiara Hyzler, the cast includes Polly March, Maria Buckle, Laura Best, Anthony Ellul, Edward Mercieca and Chris Galea.

Saturday
Spectacle of Dance
An evening of Iberian dance by Puerto Flamenco will take place at the Manoel Theatre at 8 p.m.

Others

Till March 16
City Gate: A Diary of Demolition
An experimental documentary by Bettina Hutschek showcasing the demolition of the captial’s City Gate is being screened at 4, Sappers Street, Valletta from Monday to Thursday 10 a.m. till 4 p.m. and Friday 10 a.m. till 1 p.m. More information on: www.ap.com.mt

Sunday
Cultural tour
The fifth cultural tour organised by the Malta Council for Culture and the Arts will be a guided country walk in Wardija ta’ San Ġorġ, Fawwara and Provvidenza limits of Siġġiewi. Further information may be obtained by contacting Noel D’Amato on 2123 2515 or by dropping an e-mail to noel.damato@maltaculture.com or by visiting www.maltaculture.com

Useful contacts

St James Cavalier
Tel: 2122 3200
E-mail: info@sjcav.org
www.sjcav.org

Manoel Theatre
Tel: 2124 6389
bookings@teatrumanoel.com.mt
www.manoeltheatre.com.mt

To submit a cultural event e-mail: arts@timesofmalta.com