Every so often someone comes out with a lopsided theory about opera and the theatre in Malta. I will tackle the bull by the horns. The main culprit is the administration, be it the minister or some permanent secretary. Arts are anathema to business and management and that is the reason why artistes of all kinds require managers and agents. Artistes are blessed by an endowment of talent but their very nature is hardly conducive towards business and enterprise. It is very wrong to appoint artistes to run artistic ventures.
In its hay-day, the theatre in Malta was organised and managed by well-known impresarios. These professional persons knew what the people wanted and how to meet their demands. The theatre is a social venue. People do not go to the theatre just to see or hear. Today this can easily be done from the comfort of one's home. People go mainly to dress up, mix and enjoy a pleasant evening.
The theory that the Manoel Theatre can satisfy such needs is false. The Manoel is best suited for fringe activities, musica da camera, the lesser known operas, experimental productions et al.
The expected national theatre should be run on the same basis as voluntary organisations, such as Din l-Art Ħelwa.
There should be a "Friends of the Theatre Society" and none of the members should receive any remuneration. In fact they should pay a membership fee. The best box in the theatre should not be reserved for the very same persons who are paid to do a job for which they receive a salary or other income. Except for the very core, all the employees should also be volunteers or part-timers.
One should look to Gozo and see how the two theatres organise and manage their affairs. As long as the government allows the inspired to run their own show, the National Theatre will be a success.
No one should be appointed as a reward for being a party stalwart or because he possesses a number of degrees.
Let the voluntary organisation manage its own affairs. We have seen in Malta how these voluntary organisations do a good job so long as they do not face any official interference.
Yes, there is room for a proper theatre so long as the authorities do not try to control and impose.