CC INVESTMENT It also has to work 24/7 since abrupt changes in temperature can wreak havoc on the wood and the gilding,” artistic director Kenneth Zammit Tabona explains. The idea for the installation was formed in 2011, when Mr Zammit Tabona attended his first meeting of Perspectiv (the historic theatre association of Europe), during which he discovered that a climatisation system had been installed in another historic theatre. Though this was in Bavaria, Mr Zammit Tabona soon realised that this would work in Malta’s national institution, to fight the heat. He proposed the upgrade to the board, emphasising that the theatre would be able to operate for 11 months a year, only closing in August. The project was approved and allocated EU funds. Prospective theatregoers will now be able to enjoy innovative and quality performances without the sticky heat of Maltese high summers. And this experience is highlighted through the theatre’s new tagline: “It’s cool to be at Teatru Manoel”. But, there were other works carried out at the historic site and endorsed by Perspectiv, of which Mr Zammit Tabona is President. “We are doing everything in accordance with the practices laid down by the historic theatres association of Europe. We invested in the maintenance of the theatre, restoring the façade to its original 1731 condition. Moreover, there were further enhancements: new seats in the platea; the reintroduction of the parterre boxes, and the installation of proper wooden flooring which is standard for historic theatres,” he continues. The theatre’s new look and feel will be unveiled in time for Valletta 2018, and there are big plans in store. “The entire programme of Teatru Manoel in 2018 is designed to celebrate Valletta 2018. The city is
“The entire programme of Teatru Manoel in 2018 is designed to celebrate Valletta 2018. The city is undergoing a great renaissance, and all the activities which are taking place will make Valletta an even more desirable cultural hub.” Kenneth Zammit Tabona, Manoel Theatre undergoing a great renaissance, and all the activities which are taking place will make Valletta an even more desirable cultural hub,” he stresses. He also refers to the Valletta International Baroque Festival, of which he is artistic director. “The Valletta International Baroque Festival would not be successful if the capital were not what it is. The festival is going into its sixth edition and is considered to be one of the best in Europe. It is very much part of the Valletta 2018 scene,” he emphasises. This focus on artistic heritage has also been echoed by several business leaders in the capital. “You can’t separate Valletta from art and culture. The soul of this city,
its energy and the energy of its people, feed from it,” Dr Andrei Imbroll, Valletta Boutique Living (VBL) Chairman, explains. “In everything we do, we have to collaborate with artists and designers who love the city, and with tourists looking for authentic experiences,” he continues. VBL have put their money where their mouth is by pouring cash, time and effort into the creation of a Valletta-based company focused on invigorating the city’s real estate market. “Back in 2011, my business partner and I felt that Valletta’s property market was greatly undervalued, mainly due to the complicated ownership structures and the image it had with locals, especially the lower part of the city.
“Art and culture are crucial to our business. Without them Valletta would not be Valletta and we wouldn’t be here. We need to make Valletta 2018 the launch pad for the decades to come.” Dr Andrei Imbroll, Valletta Boutique Living (VBL)
DECEMBER 2017/JANUARY 2018
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