Mario Philip Azzopardi is not the nostalgic expatriate who dreams about changing the Malta he left many years ago. He knows Malta has changed not only because he comes here regularly but also because he still writes in Maltese and occasionally directs plays here and is very in touch with the local cultural world.

Only his love for the theatre explains his almost impossible idea to build a national opera house funded by the people. But to ridicule him instead of appreciating his enthusiasm which he intended to prod all those who love theatre and music - suggesting, that instead of writing about a new opera house, they should do something about it - is very unfair.

All this reminds me when we were university students and Mr Azzopardi wanted to direct the film Il-Gaġġa (based on Frans Sammut's novel). Despite the limited means at his disposal, he managed to bring together the best actors in Malta: Vitorin Galea, Karmen Azzopardi, Charles Coleiro, Charles Arrigo and others. The means were meagre indeed. I used to hold two pieces of wood on which bulbs were attached, moving them in all directions. These were the lights used in the indoor shooting in an old villa in Pietà.

The film was a success. It was even awarded prizes abroad. If there is political will, there is more than enough popular will, a new state-of-the-art national opera house can be built which would turn into a cultural centre in the Mediterranean. We can use EU funds which can cover 75 per cent of the costs. Will the government at least provide a proper site for this wonderful dream to come true?