Imagine watching the effortless grace of the Bolshoi Ballet dancers close-up. Imagine listening to the singers of the Royal Opera House and the Opera de Paris with the best sound imaginable. However, you don’t have the money to go jetting off to watch or hear them.
No worries! You can now experience the next best thing, right here in Malta. Eden Cinemas have signed exclusive agreements with London’s Royal Opera House, the Opera de Paris and Russia’s Bolshoi to show their performances on screen.
These screenings are launching on November 30 with Mozart’s Così Fan Tutte at the Royal Opera House. This particular performance was the first of the season for the Royal Opera House, so it is not live but delayed; however many of their future performances will be screened live. And some of them may even be in 3D, according to Eden group marketing manager Kate De Cesare.
“Our new digital projectors in the theatres allow for not only 3D, but for these shows to be broadcast by satellite. The sound in our theatres is second to none here and the size of the screen will allow for total immersion into the show. Cinema 11, where the performances will be shown, has stadium seating, meaning there is absolutely perfect, unblocked visibility,” she said.
Ms De Cesare said that since the cinema complex now has 17 screens, they have room to offer alternative content. She also believes that there is a great demand for such a product. The event on the 30th will start at 8 p.m. and tickets may be purchased at the introductory price of €15. This will include parking at the car park and a reception hosted by InterContinental Malta.
Ms De Cesare said that they will be trying to emulate the authenticity of the atmosphere in as much detail as possible. For example, there will be event programmes and a dedicated foyer, so it will feel like a “real” theatre visit, rather than a night out at the cinema.
“It is the next best thing to actually being there,” said Ms De Cesare. It is arguably better in some ways. The sound is perfect and the camera captures detail that might not be seen if one were situated in a large theatre seated at the back.
“Besides, our seats are likely more comfortable than any other theatre. The biggest difference is that to go and see the Bolshoi event you would be paying hundreds of euros while for this, you will be paying a fraction of the price.”