A ‘temporary’ canvas cover on the stage of Renzo Piano’s theatre in Valletta is there for acoustic purposes and will not shelter patrons, according to a spokeswoman for the Infrastructure Ministry.

As photos appeared on the internet, critics of the theatre’s open-air design felt vindicated by sight of a tent-like structure. But the aluminium contraption, which is covered with a canvas top, will be removed by the first week of January.

“It was set up for the Christmas in the City live band programme,” the spokeswoman said, pointing out that it would then be replaced by a structure designed by Mr Piano, which is still being manufactured.

Contrary to what many people thought when they saw the pictures online, the tent covers only the stage not the patrons, who will still have to bring their own umbrellas on rainy days. “The cover is for acoustic purposes,” the spokeswoman pointed out, denying that the presence of the tent proved critics right.

The hoarding around the theatre started being removed earlier this week, giving passers-by a closer glimpse of the transformed space, which laid in ruins after the Royal Opera House was bombed in World War II.

A soft opening will be held tomorrow when the public will be invited to enter the new open-air theatre for live music that will continue throughout the Christmas season.