It is indeed regrettable that Mario Philip Azzopardi should barge out of the Manoel Theatre to complain about the band celebrating the feast of St Augustine.

There is no excuse for this except perhaps that it was done in a fit of temper. This, in itself, calls for an apology.

I believe that Azzopardi is aware of the work such a celebration involves.

It is part and parcel of our Maltese traditions and we are all happy to have them.

It is a sorry situation that the play was running at exactly that time. The celebrations were fully covered  by police permits and well promoted, including through banners displayed in public.

If  I were in Azzopardi’s shoes, I would have kicked myself for ignoring these signs rather than burst out hurling insults at the parish priest and the band. This is an insult to the whole parish.

Azzopardi’s artistic talents should be extended to his behaviour. I am sure he has it in himself to make good for any shortcoming, but not by just stating: “It’s all been settled”,  as reported in this newspaper.

Azzopardi should be  well aware that celebrations in Valletta are part of the set-up of V18, of which he is artistic director. The festivities he tried to stop in such an unruly manner are part of  the programme and should be protected by V18.

As artistic director of V18, Azzopardi should pay personal visits to long-standing residents and established decision makers.

This would also go a long way to heal the damage that has been done to our parish and would also serve to expose the Augustinian charisma.