Issuu

FEBRUARY 2019

THE SUSTAINABLE HOUSE: WHEN ARCHITECTURE AND ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS COMBINE

TRAVEL: A TRIP TO MOROCCO IN THE WINTER

ALEXANDRA AND TIMOTHY ALDEN ON CHILDHOOD AND BEING PROACTIVE

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Editor’s note

irst of all, Happy New Year – as the February issue is our first one of 2019! In fact, January flew by so quickly that wishing people a ‘Happy New Year’ is still appropriate and can very well be socially acceptable. I have especially enjoyed working on this issue because we bring to light some stories and situations that are not so commonplace. Our Inside feature this month is a conversation with Alexandra and Timothy Alden, a brother and sister who both attracted the public eye last year in their respective fields. The travel feature is about my own trip to Morocco over December and January, during the winter months, the perhaps less common time to travel to the Northern African country. Our architecture feature looks at a rare and inspiring sustainable house, which uses solar energy and has a renewable water system in its walls. February is also the month for cancer awareness, and Dayna Clarke writes about colorectal cancer – a cancer that is prevalent in Malta but rarely spoken about. While this issue is the first of the year, it will be the last one for me. It has been a wonderful journey and I have had the pleasure of meeting so many fascinating people and am grateful to have had the opportunity to share their stories and ideas with you. I hope you enjoy the read!To a fantastic February, and year ahead!

Editor JOANNA DEMARCO jdemarco@independent.com.mt Advertising Manager SEAN ELLUL sellul@independent.com.mt Advertising Executive ILARIA MOUSU ialmousu@independent.com.mt Designer CONRAD BONDIN cbondin@independent.com.mt Production manager ANDRE CAMILLERI acamilleri@independent.com.mt Publisher STANDARD PUBLICATIONS, Standard House, Birkikara Hill, St Julian’s. Tel: 00356-2134-5888 Printer PRINT IT E-mail first@independent.com.mt Online www.independent.com.mt Facebook firstmagazine. Cover details: Robyn wearing a rollneck and dungarees from KAREN MILLEN. Photography by Matthew B Spiteri. First is published as a complimentary magazine with The Malta Independent on Sunday and is not to be sold separately.

JOANNA DEMARCO Editor

Contributors MARTIN CALLEJA URRY Martin is a freelance writer and researcher with a particular interest in social sciences, who has been contributing to local publications for the past eight years and running

MATTHEW SPITERI Matthew is a local, award-winning fashion photographer. Find him on his ‘Matthew B Spiteri photographer’ Facebook page.

LAURA SCHEMBRI Laura is a wordsmith, bookworm and dog enthusiast. She takes pride in carefully curating her dog’s Instagram account @the_nelly_diaries

DAYNA CLARKE Dayna is a senior speech and language therapist working in Malta. Having traveled around Europe extensively, she has fallen in love with Malta and its people. When she is not in the clinic, Dayna enjoys writing, painting and learning Maltese.

DORIANNE MAMO Dorianne is a content creator and a fashion stylist. She’s interested in all things fashion, travel and beauty and blogs on whatever she finds intriguing on www.askdorianne. com

CAMPARI ORGANISES ART COMPETITION TO CELEBRATE NEGRONI 100TH ANNIVERSARY Campari, Italy’s iconic red bittersweet aperitif, launched an open art competition as part of their 100th anniversary celebrations of the iconic cocktail Negroni. The art competition, organised in collaboration with Allura – Malta Open Art Studios, was open to all artists residing in Malta and Gozo. The winner will be announced in March as the Campari Malta Artist 2019 and will have their work used for Campari Negroni promotional material throughout 2019. Follow Campari’s official Facebook page: www.facebook.com/Camparimalta/ for more updates. Campari is marketed and distributed by Farsons Beverage Imports Co. Ltd. Trade Enquiry 2381 4400

WINNER FROM THE DECEMBER ISSUE

Josette Chetcuti from St Paul’s Bay has won a Nina Ricci Bella Christmas coffret containing a 50ml Eau de Toilette and a Nina Ricci lipstick courtesy of Ta’ Xbiex Perfumery.

CONTENTS [ FE BRUA RY ISSUE 201 9]

10.

37.

45.

The Sustainable House

CONVERSATION WITH

INSIDE

HEALTH

Marquis Nicholas De Piro

Alexandra and Timothy Alden

A prevalent cancer – not often spoken about

26.

34.

12.

CHILDREN Safeguarding our children in the digital age

14.

16.

ARCHITECTURE

50. FOOD

FASHION

JEWELLERY

A Winter Stroll

A new wave of jewellery-makers

Provenance Stuffed Squid by The Mediterranean Culinary Academy

40.

62.

Morocco in the winter

Julian Vassallo – First Photographs

32.

VALENTINE’S DAY

FASHION

7 romantic films

6 Wardrobe Staples for 2019

TRAVEL DIARY

PHOTOGRAPHY

INTERVIEW

CONVERSATION WITH Marquis Nicholas de Piro FIRST SPEAKS TO THE MARQUIS ABOUT CASA ROCCA PICCOLA, AND HIS UPCOMING POETRY EVENING

Interview and photography by Joanna Demarco MARQUIS NICHOLAS DE PIRO, WHAT IS A TYPICAL DAY FOR YOU? There are always things that I should have done that I have not done yet! I wake up quite early and have a quick look at the newspaper, then a reasonably modest breakfast. Before sitting down at my desk, my wife reminds me: “Don’t forget Kiku!” So I go down one floor, uncover our parrot’s cage and take him down to his perch in the garden. Visitors waiting for the start of a tour of the house love chatting with him. Then back to my desk and a look at my diary. There are seven tours a day at Casa Rocca Piccola and they are handled by our guides. I am sometimes booked to do a tour for a specific group who are visiting Malta together: Swiss Guards from the Vatican, perhaps, or a particular historical society or a French or Italian cultural society which I can just about manage; a group of collectors interested, perhaps, in costume or lace – these have to be dealt with on a more personal basis, including bringing out of storage items that are not usually on show. There are other things to do, of course: letters to write and letters to answer and appointments to keep outside the house. VALLETTA HAS CHANGED VERY MUCH OVER TIME IN A NUMBER OF WAYS. WHAT ROLE DO YOU FEEL CASA ROCCA PICCOLA HAS PLAYED? There are many things of interest and enlightening significance to see in our capital of Valletta. The most important include the prehistoric remains at the Museum of Archaeology; St John’s – which I describe as the only church we have which can even impress somebody from Rome!; the (now MUZA) Fine Arts National Collection; the Grand Master’s Palace; the Manoel

Theatre; the streets and the harbour views. These are all important, but there is something else which a visitor needs to see, and that is the Maltese identity. This is composed of pretention, aspiration, taste and bric-a-brac and it can all be embodied and focused on in a Maltese family-occupied palazzina. Interest has increased, as these houses have nearly all become banks, offices, shops and, more recently, boutique hotels. WHEN DID YOU BEGIN WRITING POETRY AND WHAT, IN GENERAL, INSPIRES YOUR POEMS? As is the case with music – and, indeed painting and prose – not everything produced is of equal value. I remember when I was a member of the Cheltenham Poetry Society, which was peppered with Oxford Dons and a good number of other intellectuals, one brilliant poet saying to me: “Nicholas, some of the worst poems were produced with the sincerest intentions.” He also said: “Nicholas, your adjectives are very weak.” I almost stopped writing, but he encouraged me on and I have learned to harness inspiration and not to get lost in emotion unless I particularly want to use it for my own ends. THIS MONTH YOU WILL BE READING YOUR POETRY AT THE EVENT FOLLY, FANTASY AND FEELING. WHAT CAN THE AUDIENCE EXPECT FROM THIS EVENING? Essentially, I hope it will be a good evening’s entertainment. I suppose I have concocted the programme with a special emphasis on Malta quite a lot of the time. We even have one piece in a muddle of both languages simultaneously: how often have we heard: “ciao, kif int, alright?” To purchase tickets for Folly, Fantasy and Feeling, being held on the 27th February, visit https://booking.teatrumanoel.com.mt

/camparimalta/

Marketed and Distributed by Farsons Beverage Imports Co. Ltd, The Brewery, Mdina Road, MrieÄ§el BKR 3000. Tel: 2381 4400

di Milano

CHILDREN

Safeguarding our Children in the Digital Age In the light of Safer Internet Day – celebrated this year on 5 February by over 140 countries worldwide to raise awareness about emerging online issues – First spoke to leading clinical psychologist DR BERNARD CARUANA about how parents can successfully deal with the online threats that their children are facing Words by Martin Calleja Urry

ith the lines between physical and digital reality continuing to blur, children today are becoming increasingly exposed to a limitless online landscape, a double-edged sword that has endless potential to build or destroy. Managing children’s online habits is now a priority for every family across the nation, with 97.5 per cent of children in Malta reportedly having regular access to internet at home or at school. As the primary educators, parents bear the brunt of the responsibility to teach their children about internet safety, since inexperienced and unsupervised users can often fall victim to the web’s many pitfalls. Threats come in many shapes and forms, including scammers, cyber-bullies, predators, 12

the loss of private information and exposure to indecent material and malicious software. “The internet is as fascinating and marvellous as life itself: you have the world in your hands to explore. Like real life, however, the internet has its challenges, risks and dangers,” said Dr Caruana. Our discussion begins to pick up steam as we discuss the implications of allowing a child to browse the internet freely without a chaperone. “In certain ways, the potential threats would be similar to leaving a child alone to roam the streets or playing fields: they could meet anyone or come across anything! The internet is an open field of information, some of which is educational and some of which may be deceptive, or placed there with devious intentions. Due to their young age and impressionability, a lot of content online is

simply not suitable for kids. Then there are the chats where a child might not know who the person they’re chatting to really is. Leaving a child unsupervised on the net is as irresponsible as leaving them unsupervised outdoors,” he said. So, what steps can parents take to make their child’s experience with the internet an enjoyable, educational and safe one? “It largely depends on the age and the emotional/intellectual maturity of the child” said Dr Caruana. “Most importantly, we need to ensure that our children don’t over-use the internet or electronic devices, because this can facilitate dependence later on in life. We need to make use of parental controls in the form of software that can be installed on laptops, phones and other devices, to help us monitor the situation and stay on top of things. Managing

CHILDREN

the content is the cornerstone of the issue.” In an ideal scenario, parents will become gatekeepers to the information their children are receiving, whether this is in the real world, or online. The web is a wonderful place, filled with eye-opening opinions and perspectives, but without the necessary mental framework to process the information, it could certainly confuse or mislead children. Therefore, having a responsible adult on standby is essential, particularly for younger children. Hovering over your child’s shoulders will only work for so long, however, especially as they reach their teenage years and expect a bit more privacy. Finding the right balance between monitoring their habits without being overprotective is the real challenge, since the last thing most teenagers want is their parents spying on them.

“The problem then becomes helping them keep safe online without being overbearing. This is a skill that parents need to practice and use regularly. It applies both for internet safety and to other areas in life which can help them to grow into responsible adults,” said Dr Caruana. When it comes to freeing children of their parental shackles and allowing them to roam the web autonomously, age is not the best way of predicting when the time is right. Parents will have to gradually prepare them over the years, waiting for the right moment to help them take their first steps, gauging their emotional maturity along the way. Unfortunately, a lot of this will be difficult if the parents themselves are not digital natives. Whether you are an absolute beginner on the web or a seasoned veteran, proactive parenting will go a long way. Being forewarned is

forearmed, so if you are not familiar with the web, arm yourself with the necessary information to help safeguard your child’s online life. “Parents need to seek education in this field, just as they seek education in other areas such as caring for a child who is unwell. Parents do not know it all and when they are unsure about anything related to their child’s wellbeing, they need to seek help and be willing to learn,” said Dr Caruana. Modern parents now have the new-found responsibility of juggling between a child’s emotional, social and digital life, as staying upto-date with technology is now a standard part of parenting. While keeping up with the multitude of online threats may seem like a daunting task, the benefits will far outweigh the cost of leaving your child in the line of fire. 13

VALENTINE’S DAY

IDEAS FOR WHAT FILM TO WATCH THIS VALENTINE’S DAY (THAT YOU’LL BOTH ENJOY) It is the season for both flu and rain and, as chance would have it, it is also Valentine’s Day this week. Luckily for us, these days we can find every film online, so there is really no excuse for not making this year’s Valentine’s Day a good one. Our recommendation: a home cinema creation, accompanied by home cooking (why not impress with our recipe on page 50?) and watching one of the following films: Benigni) and Dora (Nicoletta Braschi) and their son Giosue, whose happiness is soon destroyed when they are taken by the Nazis to a concentration camp, and Guido tries to make the reality more bearable for his son. The film is comical, moving and heart-breaking.

1. Annie Hall One of Woody Allen’s best. With wit and cinematographic eye candy that gives an insight into the New York of the 1970s, Annie Hall tells the story of comedian Alvy Singer (played by Woody Allen) and his relationship with Annie Hall (Diane Keaton) – a struggling nightclub singer. Alvy Singer turns 40 and reflects on his relationship with Annie Hall: how they met, fell in love, and the struggles they faced.

Gordon-Levitt), who reflects on the 500-day relationship he had with his girlfriend Summer (Zooey Deschanel), in an attempt to find out why their relationship went sour.

6. Her

4. Garden State

2. Casablanca Casablanca is a timeless and glamorous classic from the 1940s. Set in Casablanca during World War II, the famous Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman star in the film as Rick Blaine and his former sweetheart, Ilsa. Rick owns a bar in Casablanca, when Illna unexpectedly turns up there with her husband, a Czech resistance leader, and Rick has a dilemma on his hands.

In this film, written and directed by Zach Braff, actor/waiter Andrew Largeman (played by Braff) returns to his small home-town after many years to attend his mother’s funeral. There he faces aspects and people from the life he left behind him, and meets amateur musician Sam (Natalie Portman) with whom he quickly feels a connection.

This is not your typical love story. Theodore, (played by Joaquin Phoenix), who makes a living out of writing letters for other people, is heartbroken when his marriage ends. He becomes intrigued with a novel operating system which creates a persona named ‘Samantha’ (played by Scarlett Johansson), who cannot be seen but exists as a programme.

7. Call Me By Your Name

3. 500 Days of Summer

5. Life is Beautiful

Working alongside a wonderful soundtrack, this poetic and playful film focuses on a greetingscard writer, Tom (played by Joseph

Perhaps THE all-time favourite romantic movie, Life is Beautiful – set during World War II – is about the relationship of Guido Orefice (Roberto

A powerful coming-of-age love story with beautiful cinematography, set in Italy in the 1980s, where an unexpected desire grows between 17-year-old Elio Perlman (played by Timothee Chalamet) and a handsome American PhD student Oliver.

Photo by Joanna Demarco

INSIDE

PUSHING EACH OTHER FORWARD First talks with siblings ALEXANDRA and TIMOTHY ALDEN about childhood memories, celebrating successes and being proactive Words by Joanna Demarco

he photograph of Timothy and Alexandra Alden, opposite, as they sat for a portrait at their home in Naxxar, pretty much sums up the mood of the whole hour I spent with them – in which, in between conversation, they were either laughing or cracking a witty joke between them. They both made their way into the public eye in 2018 for different reasons: Timothy, for his political activism and Alexandra, with the launch of her album Wild Honey, followed by her taking on the role as the more critical judge in Malta’s first production of X Factor. It is not often that a brother and sister are both in the public eye, let alone at such a young age, so I was intrigued to find out more about them, the proactive approach they have in common and their relationship as siblings: a relationship which I found to be a strong foundation for them both when it comes to pushing each other forward and celebrating each other’s successes. At 27, Timothy is the ‘older brother’, with Alexandra being three years younger. “That means I was the experiment for my parents, who were more likely to worry about what I was getting up to as I was growing up,” he told First, cheekily. “I had to message them to check in and let them know that I was still alive whenever I was out late with friends. By the time Alex caught up with me, she would sometimes tag along with my friends and my parents learned to relax. After all, I nearly always came home after a night out” – much to his parents’ relief, he assured me. Funnily enough, Alexandra felt that she was the more protected one growing up. “I always felt that Timmy had more freedom than me, which made sense since I was always the little girl of the family,” she said. “It’s funny how I was actually very outgoing as a kid, and Tim was the shy one at first, but as soon as we hit our teens, the roles reversed. I’d spend hours indoors just working on drawings and music until, eventually, Tim took me under his wing which made me get out of my shell again. We had a lot of fun in our teens together.”

Prior to teenage years, the family lived in a lakeside town in Bavaria, Germany, so the (then) children grew up in a place surrounded by trees, snow and fresh air. “Some of the most fun we had was making short movies by filming ourselves playing with ▶

“WE DON’T LIKE TO SIT BACK AND WATCH THINGS UNFOLD BEFORE US.” Photo by Mandy Vella Briffa

◀ our toys in the garden,” recalled Timothy. “I guess we were always creative types.” During those years, Malta was a holiday home for the family, but one that they used to look forward greatly to visiting: “My memories of being with the family during Maltese summers are some of the very best,” he mused. When Alexandra was eight and Timothy 11, the family moved to Malta and lived here for a number of years and then, later in their teens, they both moved abroad to further their studies, which gave them a new perspective of sorts. If there is one quality that the siblings inevitably share, it is their pro-active drive. Timothy has been an environmental activist for years and has recently moved on to the next platform, which allows him to “fight to protect what makes Malta and Gozo special.” “My grandparents would tell me about their experiences as refugees in Mġarr during the war, and all the colourful personalities, memories and perspectives of Malta through the years,” he said, explaining his drive. “I have always felt a close connection with what I consider to be Malta’s soul and heart, and it pains me to watch that needlessly fading away.” Meanwhile, Alexandra wrote her first album at the age of 15, has recently launched her full-length album Wild Honey – after she was scouted in Holland, and worked with top producers Hanyo Van Oosterom and Ocki Klootwijk. She has also signed up with the international label MARS Worldwide and is now working on another album. “We don’t like to sit back and watch things unfold before us,” said Alexandra, when asked about their shared sense of motivation. “We try to improve things around us with the talents we have. Coming from an artistic background, Timmy expresses himself best through his writing and for me it is most definitely my music.”

Photo by Mandy Vella Briffa

INSIDE

Timothy added that moving forward and being proactive, however, did not come without its challenges. “Like most people, we have had our fair share of adversity and challenges in our lives, which we have overcome” he said. “I think we learned how to learn from these problems and make the best of difficult situations. “I have no doubt that it has often been thanks to the family that we have found the strength to keep going when times got toughest,” he continued. “I also think that it has to do with the values and attitudes passed down to us.” It is certain that the duo push each other when it comes to following dreams and pursuing passions. Alexandra speaks about her admiration for Timothy’s courage when it comes to speaking out on important subjects related to the environment and sustainability. “He has never shied away from a challenge,” she said. Timothy pointed to her perseverance when we asked him which of Alexandra’s particular qualities he looked up to. “She decided what she wanted to do, and she went for it with everything she had,” he said, adding: “At times, it looked impossible for her to overcome the mountains she had to climb, but she went for it and she succeeded. Her graduation concert remains one of my proudest moments.” On the other hand, ironically, the thing that irritates Timothy the most about his sister is her moments of self-doubt. “Some people may see an invincible star on stage,” he said, “but at the end of the day she is a normal girl with insecurities and self-doubt, despite her achievements. I hate to see her doubt herself over minor insecurities, because she is better than that.” “I suppose he can sometimes still be very over-protective of me,” said Alexandra, when asked the same question. “But that’s okay – it means he cares.”

PROMOTION

TED BAKER OPENS HIS FIRST STORE IN MALTA TED BAKER IS OPENING HIS FIRST STORE IN MALTA AT THE POINT SHOPPING MALL, 14TH FEBRUARY. THIS IS THE PERFECT HOME FOR A TED BAKER STORE THAT WILL TAKE VISITORS ON A UNIQUE, CINEMATIC ADVENTURE. he 200 sq. m. store takes inspiration from Malta’s position as a popular filming location and Ted’s passion for all things related to the big (and small) screen. After hearing that some of his favourite British flicks had been filmed on the island at the Malta Film Studios, he packed up his vintage cameras and set sail. He’s travelled to set up his own production studios, hoping to replicate the success of local Pinewood studios in London on the spectacular island with a fun, Ted twist. The store is a mix of a London stage set complete with pub scene, market stalls, lamp posts, and terraced houses and a backstage film set with recording equipment dressing rooms, hanging stage sets, pullys, wires, cables and supports. As with Ted’s clothing, no detail is left unconsidered and the store has unique, hidden touches throughout. The new store will house Ted’s menswear, womenswear, footwear and accessory collections. Ted Baker is represented by Hudson, a retailer and distributor of leading fashion and sport brands in Malta, Spain and North Africa. For further information please contact: Email: marketing@hudson.com.mt, www.hudson.com.mt 21

FASHION

5 O’Clock Tea CHARLES & KEITH’S COLLECTION, TITLED ‘5 O’CLOCK TEA’, IS BASED ON THE JOY OF GETTING DRESSED UP WHENEVER THE INSPIRATION HITS AND NOT LETTING TIME CONSTRAIN YOUR FASHION BRILLIANCE.

on’t wait for the evening to get all gussied up. Daytime dressing can be fun and sophisticated, too. Step up your tea time threads with refined subtleties: punchy

colours; playful accents; and dainty jewellery from CHARLES & KEITH’S 2019 collection. Go bold or go home – our Mary Janes boast a bright and beautiful upgrade in vibrant orange and gold accents. Timeless and trans-seasonal taupe is trimmed with delicate chain anklets and hints of Lucite for some shimmer and shine. Need something more understated to tie your look together? Opt for our black-textured pointed ankle strap heels or grey loafers crowned with clear and shiny resin gemstones. The classic black also takes centre stage as a velvet boxy clutch with metallic tassels. Cinch your waist with an oversized acrylic buckle belt and complete your feminine look with delicate jewellery. Semi-precious stones give 24 appeal to rings, drop earrings and necklaces in pink, sand, silver and rose gold settings.

PROMOTION

CHANEL CHANCE EAU TENDRE EAU DE PARFUM AN AURA OF SOFTNESS CHANEL unveils a new interpretation of the CHANCE EAU TENDRE fragrance as an Eau de Parfum.

THE MOST TENDER OF THE CHANCE INTERPRETATIONS ith CHANCE EAU TENDRE Eau de Parfum, perfumer-creator Olivier Polge, in cooperation with the CHANEL Laboratory of Fragrance Creation and Development, reinterprets the floral-fruity signature. More intense, more enveloping, this version expresses a radiant and confident femininity. Its floral heart accentuates the fullness of exotic jasmine absolute, enriched with an essence of rose that shines a soft light at the centre of the composition. More feminine than ever, this floral equation is draped in just the right dose of smooth and creamy white musk notes to create a clean, cottony effect. Immediately illuminated by the tangy whirl of the grapefruit-quince accord, CHANCE EAU TENDRE Eau de Parfum brings a feeling of absolute tenderness. Delicate and profoundly poetic, this new composition evokes a woman whose joy and inner glow gives her instant charm. For the occasion, the round bottle with a gold neck takes on a silvery hue for the die-shaped cap. #TAKEYOURCHANCE Chanel is distributed by Alfred Gera & Sons Ltd

PROMOTION

FASHION

STYLING: JEANDOR FARRUGIA PHOTOGRAPHY: MATTHEW B SPITERI HAIR: LEE GRIXTI MAKE-UP: AMANDA GREAVES USING IDUN MINERALS MODELS: ROBYN (MODELS M) CLOTHES AND ACCESSORIES: CHARLES & KEITH, MARKS & SPENCER, KAREN MILLEN 26

FASHION

A Winter Stroll

Jacket, skirt and gloves from KAREN MILLEN 27

FASHION

Rollneck and dungarees from KAREN MILLEN 28

FASHION

Trousers from MARKS & SPENCER 29

FASHION

Top and skirt from KAREN MILLEN Blazer from MARKS & SPENCER Boots from CHARLES & KEITH 30

FASHION

Dress from KAREN MILLEN Bag and shoes from CHARLES & KEITH 31

FASHION

WARDROBE STAPLES TO DE-CLUTTER AND ENHANCE YOUR WARDROBE THIS YEAR DORIANNE MAMO FROM ASK DORIANNE GIVES TIPS ON HOW TO BE MORE STYLISH – WITH LESS.

t’s already the second month of a new year: a new year and a new you – and perhaps a more stylish you. And, who knows, perhaps whilst we’re at it, we might as well get a bit more creative! These days, it’s all about having a smaller wardrobe with ‘essentials’ and some staple pieces and living better with less.

1. Focus on the basics: actually, make that a white tee!

2. Ballet flats These must be part of your wardrobe upgrade if you’re looking for something that is both chic and comfortable. You can rest assured that whether you wear them to dress up your jeans or teamed up with a cocktail dress for the evening, you’ll manage to look totally elegant, timeless, cool and laid back – all at the same time! And your feet will thank you!

Is there anything more versatile than a plain white t-shirt? No! It can be teamed up with a pair of jeans and a seasonal bomber jacket or blazer, a fancy skirt or one of those slip dresses and it serves as an excellent primer to any outfit. No wardrobe is complete without a plain white tshirt or shirt!

white pull off a If you can y, then a w ic ss a cl tee in the any ull it off in you can p y! wa

FASHION

3. An elegant blazer

You might not think that you need one – but you do! A great blazer is so versatile: you can look instantly put together with a blazer. It looks stylish and business-like when worn in the office, can be used as an outerwear substitute extra layer when it’s not quite cold enough for a heavy coat and it can be also thrown over a cocktail dress to make it look more ‘Wow’!

Now these are my favourites. They can be worn in the office when you need to feel comfortable, paired with heels if you’re heading to that new bistro for lunch, or teamed with a dark blazer (there you go: mentioning that blazer again!) for a night out. I’d go for dark-wash denims over lighter ones because I think they make it easier to pull off a certain look, plus they also don’t stain as easily! So invest in a pair of denims that make you look fab!

5. A Little Black Dress

6. Black Trousers

There isn’t much to say about the ‘LBD’ that you don’t know already, except for the fact that it has got us through some tough times. My wail of ‘I don ‘t know what to wear’ usually ends up with me reaching for my classic little black dress which somehow it always works, whether it’s a chic do or casual party!

A great pair of black pants that you feel great in are a true Mondaythrough-Sunday staple, so choose a style and cut that suits you best and will take you from day to night!

Tip:

arf; belt as a sc wearing a … ed ner co id s ns es feminine dr have you co a wearing a s; er rn ov tte irt pa sh mixing cket, a tied Just a leather ja ? ith er w az bl ed st a tra der nim shirt un dress or a de go for it!

When you find that perfect white T-shirt, that one sharp blazer and that dependable LBD that you can break out for any and every occasion, you never have to worry about ‘not having anything to wear’. Once you have these staple items in your wardrobe, don’t be scared to try unexpected layers. There was a time when I never thought of wearing a t-shirt or blouse over some of my dresses, my skirts over dresses, tops over shirts or actually pulling off that look. Now, I’m so used to it that I mix and match and experiment more with less, whether I’m getting dressed for work, for cocktails with my friends or for anything that might come up in-between.

Follow Dorianne on her Facebook page 'Dorianne at AskDorianne'.

4. Dark-Wash Denim

JEWELLERY

A NEW WAVE OF JEWELLERY MAKERS

FIRST SPEAKS TO ENRIQUE TABONE AND YANA AZZOPARDI: TWO MALTESE WOMEN WHO HAVE TURNED THEIR LOVE OF MAKING JEWELLERY INTO A GROWING, SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS.

Words by Laura Schembri. Photography by Joanna Demarco he art of making jewellery dates back thousands of years, when ancient civilisations crafted jewellery to enhance their personal appearance, express their faith and signify their social status. Today, jewellery is no longer reserved just for royalty but has become accessible to the masses and Malta is proving to be a rich source of inspiration for a new generation of jewellery designers such as Enrique Tabone from QUE and Yana Azzopardi from Yana’s Jewellery.

Enrique Tabone

Enrique recalls her love of jewellery beginning in her childhood, well before her teenage years. “I remember selling bracelets to my friends when I was around 12 years old, but I must have started earlier than that if I was doing it before I became a teenager,” she told First. As she got older, her passion for art and design grew, fuelling her interest in carving out a career for herself as a jewellery designer. Enrique launched her namesake brand QUE almost 10 years ago, playing on the last three letters of her name and the uniQUEness of her work.

Since its launch, Enrique believes that QUE has evolved into having “its own style, and language,” in which she “presents jewellery as wearable art rather than a decorative item to wear.” And indeed, uniqueness is an apt word to describe the brand. Using the thermoplastic material, Plexiglas, which is heated up to create designs and shapes, Enrique creates large statement earrings that are still comfortable and lightweight. “I feel that it helps me to explore and express new methods of relating my awareness of the body and

JEWELLERY

Yana Azzopardi

emotions while keeping the work at featherweight,” she said. She credits Mokumgane, a Japanese metalworking process used to create Japanese swords in the 17th century as the single most important skill she has learnt during her career, which she then reinterpreted for one of her wearable art collections. Enrique thrives on creating niche bespoke pieces, which may lack some elements of practicality but are true works of art. However, when working on her QUE collections, she keeps in mind scale, proportion, weight, balance and comfort. Daring and bold, QUE pieces are easily identifiable when seen in a picture or out and about. For Enrique, this is yet another extension of her creative process. “I become very selfconscious in a shy way,” she replied, when asked how she feels when she sees someone wearing one of her creations. “It’s similar to making eyecontact with someone you have a crush on. It makes me happy to experience this relationship between the wearer and the object. What I love best is to see the wearer smile: I’m thrilled to be part of that joy and happiness.” *** Yana Azzopardi’s journey into the jewellerymaking industry can be described as something of a family affair. Her grandfather was a goldsmith and jewellery-shop owner, while her grandmother gave her a box of beads and thread with which she began creating simple

“JEWELLERY DESIGN IS NO EASY TASK: IT INVOLVES A LOT OF RESEARCH AND IMAGINATION.”

friendship bracelets. “I used to collect stacks of bangles and would never leave my house without wearing some form of jewellery,” she recalled. Yana began her career as a full-time jewellery designer seven years ago and went on to establish two retail outlets and a wire-wrapping technique that has become synonymous with the brand. Bold, colourful and versatile, her aesthetic is constantly inspired by her travels. Coming across new cultural patterns and designs, and being exposed to different types of

Necklaces by Yana Azzopardi

material, has enabled her to continue to elevate her designs and create pieces to suit women of all ages. There is no denying that, through the power of social media, Yana’s jewellery has grown in popularity in recent years, with images of her pieces constantly being shared online. For Yana, seeing a photograph or seeing someone wearing one of her creations continues to fill her with immense pride that her work is being recognised. Her love of working with semi-precious stones, metal, fabric and ceramic beads also comes through. Her favourite creation to date, however, remains one of her statement chunky necklaces that combines her appreciation of different textures and, of course, the brand’s staple wire technique. According to Yana, creating jewellery is no walk in the park. “My advice is to be innovative,” she said, when asked what her advice would be to anyone interested in becoming involved in the industry. “Jewellery design is no easy task: it involves a lot of research and imagination.”

Earrings by Enrique Tabone 35

HEALTH

A prevalent

cancer not often

spoken

about Ahead of the European Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month (ECCAM) and National Cancer Prevention month, First Magazine spoke to colorectal cancer survivor and advocate, Anthony Rossi to explore the subject of one of Malta’s most prevalent cancers Words by Dayna Clarke

very year, about 1.8 million new cases of colorectal (colon) cancer are diagnosed worldwide. Being diagnosed with colorectal cancer, as with any cancer, is a terrifying ordeal. It also might be a little embarrassing, since it involves a part of the body that’s hidden from view and not openly discussed. At present, the local statistics are high: in Malta, on average, two people a week die of colorectal cancer. Despite it being one of Malta’s most prevalent cancers, awareness remains

low, and yet with regular screening, and if diagnosed early enough, it is often curable. Colorectal cancer develops in the colon (the longest part of the large intestine) and/or the rectum (the last several inches of the large intestine before the anus) and often falls under the umbrella term ‘bowel cancer.’ Anthony Rossi says: “If you’re diagnosed with colorectal cancer, don’t be shy about getting the information you need to cope with the diagnosis and the journey it’s going to set you▶

HEALTH

“MENTALLY, I HAD TO I PREPARED AN ENT GROUP AND FOR ME ALMOST A FORM OF FROM MY FAMILY, I F VERY LITTLE ADVIC AVAILABLE, SO A NATURAL ST ◀ on and, equally important, if you get a letter inviting you to have a screening – then go!” He himself very nearly missed the diagnosis of colorectal cancer by throwing the screening request letter away. “It was a pure chance meeting with an old friend in Valletta, who told me he was working at the National Health Screening Centre. I mentioned that I had received a letter but had dismissed it and he stressed the importance of screening to me, and issued me with another screening request.” This was a chance meeting that very much changed the course of Mr Rossi’s life. Not long after the screening, he received a call: the unthinkable had happened, his screening showed abnormal results warranting a follow-up colonoscopy. Fortunately, his cancer had been caught at a sufficiently early stage for it to be removed entirely without the need for chemotherapy. “After the colonoscopy, when the doctor came to tell me they had found cancer, I was actually very calm. It was my wife and daughters who were more upset than me,” he recalls. Having lost family and friends to cancer, he admits: “I always used to wonder how I would cope if I was told I had cancer. Of course, nobody would wish for cancer but being negative about it only makes it worse: either you wallow in self-pity or you carry on. I decided to follow the latter route and be as proactive as possible.” Some weeks later, after an extensive operation to remove the cancer, Mr Rossi was recovering in Mater Dei when he decided to start Malta’s only colorectal cancer awareness group (MCRCAG). “Mentally, I had to keep myself busy. I prepared an entire plan for the group and for me, I guess, it was almost a form 38

of therapy. Apart from my family, I found there was very little advice and guidance available, so it seemed a natural step to take.” So it was there, in a hospital bed, that the formation of a group with now over 450 Facebook members began. Mr Rossi has worked relentlessly alongside his job to improve awareness and develop his group, with the backing of various key medical professionals in the field. “People call me at all hours for advice, but I don’t mind one bit!” he says. The group is now a member of the National Cancer Platform and Europacolon and holds regular events. Mr Rossi is also an integral member of the Patient Advisory Committee (PAC) within the Europacolon organisation across Europe, and gives keynote speeches at conferences. Although, it is very reassuring to know that such a support group now exists in Malta, what can be done to identify colorectal cancer or prevent it? Anyone can get colorectal cancer, but it usually strikes people over the age of 50. The risk rises quickly with age and people with a family history of colorectal cancer have a higher chance of getting the disease, so we asked Anthony what precautions can be taken.

How can you prevent colorectal cancer? • • • •

Get regular screening tests from the age of 50 Eat less red or processed meat Eat plenty of vegetables, fruit and whole-grain foods Be physically active for at least 30 minutes every day

HEALTH

O KEEP MYSELF BUSY. TIRE PLAN FOR THE ME, I GUESS, IT WAS OF THERAPY. APART FOUND THERE WAS VICE AND GUIDANCE SO IT SEEMED STEP TO TAKE.” • Maintain a healthy weight • Limit the amount of alcohol you drink • Do not smoke

such as an ulcer, the swelling of the colon or haemorrhoids, but if you have any of these symptoms for the first time, talk to a doctor.

Who should get regular screening tests for colorectal cancer?

Risk factors

All women and men aged 50 or over should be regularly screened for colon cancer. The need for screening before the age of 50 depends if there is a family history of the disease. Regular screening is the single best way of reducing the risk of colorectal cancer because it can detect polyps – small, non-cancerous tumours in the colon or rectum that sometimes turn into cancer – which can then be removed.

What are the symptoms of colorectal? There may have no symptoms in the early stages but as the cancer grows, symptoms may include: • A change in bowel habits • A change in the appearance of your stools • Diarrhoea or constipation • Rectal bleeding or blood in your stool • Persistent abdominal discomfort, such as cramps, gas or pain • An unexplained loss of weight • Fatigue These symptoms can also be caused by something less serious,

Most medical professionals agree that these affect the risk of colorectal cancer: some may apply to you, but others may not. • Being over 50 years old • A strong family history of bowel cancer • A history of non-cancerous growths (polyps) in your bowel • Long-standing inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis • Type 2 diabetes • An unhealthy lifestyle Anthony’s aim for the Malta Colorectal Cancer Awareness Group is for the Maltese Islands to be free of colorectal cancer, with education, prevention, early detection and treatment leading to an increased survival rate for everyone. You can join the Malta Colorectal Cancer Awareness Group on Facebook and follow local events during the European Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in March, including a conference entitled The Effectiveness of Screening in 2019 and beyond on 27 March at San Anton Palace. For more information contact info@crc.org.mt or call 9943 8446 39

TRAVEL DIARY

MOROCCO IN THE WINTER Words and photography by Joanna Demarco

TRAVEL DIARY his was not my first time travelling to Morocco, however it was the first time that I would be visiting the country during its not-so-sunny months: the months of camel-riding, surfing, camping and other experiences which are somewhat synonymous with Morocco. Air Malta has recently launched a direct flight to Casablanca. Before this, it was always necessary to either take two flights in order to get there or fly to Southern Spain, followed by a ferry ride to the North African country. So when I came across reasonably-priced direct flights during December and January, I was intrigued to see what the country would be like during its cooler period. I carried out some quick Internet-research to confirm that the weather was actually bearable, and then planned a week-long adventure: from Casablanca to Meknes, Chefchaouen, and Fes and then back to Casablanca. Meknes, Casablanca, Fes and Chefchaouen all seemed ideal as they included experiencing Morocco’s cosmopolitan life (Casablanca), old imperial cities (Fes), the less touristic side of the

country (Meknes) and the must-see beautiful part of the North, Chefchaouen. One ideal thing about travelling in Morocco is that it is relatively easy to get from place to place: it has one of the best transport systems in the whole of Africa. However, if you are only staying for a week or less, it makes sense to visit places that are relatively close to each other, because travelling times can be quite lengthy. My travel buddy and I decided to go to some places in the Northern region, mostly because it was the only part of the country I had not yet visited properly and the fact that Google advises that winter is not the best time to visit the desert in the South and that December would not provide the weather to enjoy the beach life that the West side has to offer. However, since the sun is present but not unbearably hot, winter is a wonderful time for hiking and wandering around. The weather we experienced was actually very pleasant: you generally needed to wear a light jumper, jacket and trousers during the day, but you could easily stay in a t-shirt when seated in a sunny area. As we made our way north, especially at higher altitudes, to

Chefchaouen, the weather became slightly colder during the day and much colder at night, so packing a scarf and hat is a good idea. Morocco can be experienced properly without the need for a bank-account-breaking budget. You can get some beautiful accommodation in a riad: (a traditional Moroccan house or palace with an interior courtyard or garden) for around €20-25 per person per night; travelling from one place to another by bus costs about €10 for, say, a fourhour journey and you can also get great food without spending too much. However, be warned: your expenditure might increase with the number of beautiful bits and pieces that you fall for in the markets!

Casablanca I think the best adjective I can think of to describe Casablanca, Morocco’s largest city, is ‘ soulful’. In the Old Medina, the older, heart of the city, life moves at a different pace to the more metropolitan and westernised hustle and bustle just outside it. Casablanca, although perhaps rather grubby-looking, is filled with architectural, cultural and typographical treasures if you look well enough. In fact, whilst in Casa (as it is called there), one activity I really enjoyed was walking around the streets and spotting old Art deco buildings - eye candy the city is full of. Another really impressive place to visit in Casablanca is the Hassan II Mosque, which is the fifth largest mosque in Africa and is built on reclaimed land. It has a mix of traditional design with modern elements: Moorish and Moroccan influences working hand-in-hand with urban design. Some features of the mosque include an open roof, a lift that takes you up to the top of the minaret and large windows overlooking the sea. But – grand things apart – what I enjoyed most in Casablanca was just walking around it, through marketplaces and roughly-surfaced streets, stopping for coffee at road-side cafes. ▶

TRAVEL DIARY

Meknes You can get to Meknes from Chefchaouen by a four-hour-long coach ride. Visiting Meknes is getting a glimpse of modern-day Morocco – where you do not see a tourist on every corner. It is actu42

ally Morocco’s former capital city and has an imperial past, noticeable through its architecture and design. Much of it was inspired by the Sultan Moulay Ismail, who turned Meknes into his capital in the 17th century. One day and

night in Meknes is enough to take in most of what there is to see.

Chefchaouen We reached Chefchaouen by taking an hour-long taxi ride to Fes (which costs about €2) and a six-

hour-long coach ride from Fes to Chefchaouen, which is located in the northwest, up in the Rif Mountains. (I would recommend taking motion-sickness pills for those of you who usually need them!) However, following the long, uphill

TRAVEL DIARY

journey you take one glance at your destination through your condensation-covered window, and know that the motion sickness was worth it. The blue city – called so because of the blue washed walls of the old town – nestled as it is in

the middle of a majestic mountain range – is a slightly jaw-dropping sight and the life inside it does not disappoint. In most places in Morocco, just spending the day walking around a city’s streets, and stopping for a

mint tea every so often, is enough to get a reasonable impression of it , and the same is true of this blue city. However, if you are up for a mini adventure, I would recommend walking up to the Spanish Mosque, which takes about 20 minutes from the centre, for a stunning view of the city. There are also longer hiking routes in the area, some of them over a number of days and including a potential visit to the Akchour waterfalls. The December weather was actually beneficial when it came to walking. In Morocco’s hotter seasons, which dominate the weather for the majority of the year, it would be stifling to walk uphill for 20 minutes to reach the Spanish Mosque. However, the milder sun and cool breeze made it the perfect hiking weather. I would recommend staying in Chefchaouen for two or three nights before getting a bus back to Fes – this time downhill.

Fes It was my first time visiting Fes and I was quite dubious about it

since literally everyone who had visited before me warned that it is anxiety-inducing as a place, with the maze-like medina and morethan-usual-amount of hagglers trying to get you to buy their bags and rugs. However, my experience of it seemed to prove otherwise. Fes did indeed contrast with the atmosphere in Chefchaouen with its bustle and faster pace of things. However, it is charming in its bustle, and is seemingly prepared to handle crowds of tourists, both with tidiness and with amount products on offer. The only time we experienced slight hassle was when a young man kept encouraging us to follow him to the leather tannery - a must see place in Fes whilst expecting to get paid for giving direction - more of a nuisance than worrisome. In such instances it works to inform them that you have been already or don’t wish to go there. I would recommend spending one night in Fes, then making your way back to Casa on a fourhour-long coach ride. 43

ARCHITECTURE

THE

SUSTAINABLE

HOUSE RARELY ARE THE ENVIRONMENTAL FEATURES OF A BUILDING MERGED AS AN INTEGRAL PART OF ITS ARCHITECTURAL QUALITIES. THEY ARE GENERALLY THOUGHT OF AS SECONDARY ‘ADD – ONS’, IN AN ATTEMPT TO REDUCE CARBON FOOTPRINT AND ENERGY CONSUMPTION, AND TO FULFILL ANY OBLIGATIONS TOWARDS MAKING BUILDINGS GREENER. THIS PROJECT, BY C+K ARCHITECTS, IS AN EXAMPLE OF HOLISTIC DESIGN PROCESS WHEREIN ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS AND ARCHITECTURE HAVE BEEN THOUGHT OUT AS A SINGLE, COMBINED PROCESS Photography by Alex Attard The transparent glass compartments are designed to float between the gardens and the open views of Kappara Valley– In its detachment, this further enhances the building’s ventilation.

Supplied by AM Projects, the selected apertures help to reduce noise pollution and lessen carbon footprint.

ARCHITECTURE

Garden leading to the house.

Photo provided by Brighter Solutions

ARCHITECTURE

Photo provided by Brighter Solutions

THE BUILDING, DUBBED ‘THE UMBRELLA HOUSE’, FOR ITS OBVIOUS UMBRELLA-LIKE ROOFING SYSTEM, REPURPOSING SOLAR ENERGY AND RAINWATER, DISPLAYS AN INTERESTING WAY OF THE INTEGRATION OF ARCHITECTURE AND SUSTAINABLE MEASURES. IN VIEW OF THE CLIENT’S ACTIVE INVOLVEMENT IN THE INDUSTRY OF ENVIRONMENTAL APPLIANCES, THE BRIEF TASKED FOR A FLAGSHIP BUILDING SETTING NEW STANDARDS IN CONSCIENTIOUS ARCHITECTURE, WITH A STRONG CONCERN TOWARDS THE ENVIRONMENT.

Photo provided by Brighter Solutions

Supplied by Brighter Solutions Ltd, all lighting in this project is energy efficient LED. Moreover, brands, such as Philips and iGuzzini bring even more efficiency due to the high quality in electronics that is used in their lighting.

ARCHITECTURE

Concrete and steel canopy. The overlying roofing system is projected to act as a shading device and protect the glass from direct sunlight while carefully inclined to fulfill the dual function of capturing solar energy. This ‘energy umbrella’ is also neatly detailed to collect and divert rain water to be re used domestically and re ‐ filtered as second class water for irrigation purposes.

THE MODERNIST TERM, ‘A HOUSE IS A MACHINE FOR LIVING IN’ IS PERHAPS AN APT TERM TO DESCRIBE ‘THE UMBRELLA HOUSE.’

Solar panels from Solar Solutions placed on the roof of the house, capture energy from the sun, which is then collected and used as an energy source within the house, including for the charging of the electic car, contributing to yet another environmentally-friendly measure.

The design is a combination of compartmentalized spaces specifically sized for their particular purpose hence overcoming the need to “air condition” large open spaces unnecessarily. The individual compartments are carefully positioned to maximize site characteristics and energy performance.

SOLUTIONS ORIENTED FOR ALL TYPES OF ARCHITECTURE PVC, TIMBER, ALUMINIUM AND MINIMAL WINDOWS Providing more space for extraordinary perspectives. Rooms flooded with light bring exclusivity to the space and convey an open environment with high quality design, maximum transparency and the feeling of freedom.

Our high performance solutions will reduce noise pollution and help you lower your electricity bills. Making an informed choice will give you the opportunity to lessen your carbon footprint whilst having the added bonus of increasing the resale value of your home.

AM Projects is the Malta Partner for Keller minimal windows.

8 Triq il-Garra Victoria Gardens, L-Ibrag, Swieqi | info@ampmalta.com | Tel: 2137 4563, 9999 6766

FOOD

PROVENร ALE STUFFED SQUID WITH ARTICHOKE BARIGOULE AND SPRING VEGETABLES By The Mediterranean Culinary Academy

quid is plentiful in the Provenรงale region and is used in various forms, from quickly grilled to stuffed and braised as we do in this recipe. Here we use ingredients such as spinach, thyme and rosemary that are popularly used in the region, combined with influences from the Catalan coast nearby. We also have a nod from the region in the form of chorizo that pairs wonderfully with squid. Artichokes too are abundant in the south of France, as well as the rest of the Mediterranean; cooked in this very classically French way, they lend a lovely earthiness to the dish as well as a very tasty cooking liqueur to poach the spring vegetables in. To really bring the dish together we have a simple Provenรงale sauce of Pistou made with handfuls of basil and garlic. It will only take one bite of this dish to be transported to the beautiful sunny coast of France.

FOOD

ProvenĂ§ale Stuffed Calamari (Serves 2 people) INGREDIENTS: Large squid, cleaned Spring garlic Thyme Rosemary Chorizo Sundried tomatoes Black olives Spinach Stale bread, torn Lemon zest Chili Salt Olive oil Artichoke stock METHOD: 1. Preheat the oven to 160 oC. 2. Remove the skin from the squid and trim off the wings and, if they are large, two inches of the body. Put a sautĂŠ pan on a high heat. When hot, add a drizzle of oil and add in the squid. Using a fish slice apply pressure to the squid to ensure even caramelisation. Cook for one minute on each side. Remove from the heat, allow to cool and then finely chop. 3. Next finely chop the herbs, garlic, chorizo, sundried tomatoes and olives . 4. Put the saute pan on a medium heat and drizzle oil into the pan. Throw in the chorizo and allow the fat to render out until it crisps up. Keep the pan on the heat and add in the bread, stirring every so often until it dries out and begins to colour.

2 half 2 sprigs 1 sprig 40g 3 8 Large handful Large handful Half lemon To taste To taste As needed 500ml

5. Add in the spring garlic and herbs and cook for two minutes. When done transfer to the bowl. 6. Cook off the spinach until the moisture has evaporated, turn off the heat and add it to the bowl. 7. Add the sundried tomatoes, olives, chorizo, lemon zest, chopped squid and chili to the rest of the ingredients in the bowl. Stir to combine and check for seasoning. 8. Using a teaspoon, fill the squid cavity with the filling mixture until two-thirds full. Seal off the end with a toothpick. 9. Place in a roasting tin and cover halfway with artichoke stock. Cover with foil and cook in the oven for an hour and a half or until tender. 51

FOOD

Artichoke Barigoule (Serves 2 people) INGREDIENTS: Artichokes Carrot, peeled Onion Thyme Rosemary Lemon Spring garlic Wine Olive oil Vegetable stock Water Salt

Spring Vegetables

Pistou

INGREDIENTS: Broad beans, out of pod Peas Fennel Carrot Ice Water Salt

INGREDIENTS: Basil Garlic Olive oil Coarse salt

100g 50g Half one Half one As needed As needed 2 tsp

METHOD: 1. Fill the pot halfway with water and set on a high heat. Once it boils add the salt. 2. Lower in the broad beans and allow to cook for one minute if they are small and one and a half if larger. Taste one to see whether it still tastes starchy. If it does, leave for a little longer. 3. Remove using a slotted spoon and blanch in a bowl filled with water and ice. Once entirely cool remove from the water and shuck their outer skin. Set aside. 4. Repeat the boiling and blanching process for the peas ( 1 minute ), fennel ( 2 minutes) and carrot ( 2 minutes). 5. Set aside for later use.

2 large handfuls 2 cloves As needed Large pinch

METHOD: 1. Add the garlic to a pestle and mortar along with the salt. Crush until it becomes a paste. 2. Add in the basil and pound until the basil breaks down into very small pieces. 3. Stream in little olive oil and grind it into the basil and olive paste. Keep going until you reach the consistency of a loose puree.

2 Half 1 2 sprigs 2 sprigs 1 1 100ml 200ml 200ml As needed To taste

METHOD: 1. Fill the bowl with water, cut the lemon in half and squeeze one half into the water. Pull off the outer leaves of the artichokes until you get to the young, inner ones. Use your knife to cut the leaves just above the heart. 2. Next, carefully using the paring knife, holding the stem upwards shave off the outer layer of the artichoke stem. Slowly rotate the artichoke whilst you run the knife along the outside of the heart to remove remaining outside leaves and create a uniform layer that joins with the stem. 3. Submerge them immediately in the bowl of lemon water. 4. Roughly chop your onion, carrot and garlic. 5. Place your pot on a medium heat and once hot add a drizzle of oil. Add your carrot, onion and garlic to the pan and stir to avoid sticking. Cook for five minutes. 6. Add the thyme and rosemary to the pan and then the wine to deglaze. Reduce the wine to almost nothing. Squeeze in the juice from the remaining half of the lemon. 7. Pour in the stock and olive oil. Add the turned artichokes to the pan. 8. Depending on how big the artichokes are, add enough water to the pan to cover them. Bring the liquid to the boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer. 9. Cover the top with foil and allow to simmer for twenty minutes. 10. Once tender, remove the artichokes from the cooking liquid and scoop out the furry choke. Divide each artichoke into four quarters. 11. Bring the cooking liquid to a boil and reduce to half. Check the seasoning and add salt if necessary. Take off the heat and strain away the solids. 12. Add in the blanched spring vegetables and put on the heat until they are warmed through.

These recipes were taken from the upcoming â€˜Introduction to French Cuisineâ€™ course starting this March. For more information on courses, workshops or private events check out the website www.mcamalta.com, facebook: Mediterranean culinary academy or Instagram: Mediterranean_Culinary_Academy 52

THEATRE

Così Fan Tutte Two soldiers, two sisters, a servant and an old philosopher in a dizzying game of infidelity and deception

th, 67th, 8th and 10th March 2019 Teatru Manoel is staging a brand new production of Mozart’s opera Così Fan Tutte. With this production the theatre concludes the brilliant opera trilogy of Le Nozze Di Figaro (produced in 2017) and Don Giovanni (produced in 2018) resulting from the collaboration between Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and librettist Lorenzo Da Ponte. The first of them, Le Nozze di Figaro was premiered in Vienna on 1 May 1786 while Don Giovanni’s was in Prague on 29 October 1787. Così fan tutte was to follow with a premiere in Vienna on 26 January 1790. Così fan tutte tells the tale of two officers who disguise themselves and attempt to seduce each other’s fiancée to find out whether they would remain faithful. The opera was initially well-received, but subsequently rarely performed due to the changing sensibilities leading to it being perceived as being too risqué and immoral. Only in the mid-

20 th century did it regain its rightful place in standard operatic repertoire. The opera features a stellar cast of top local and foreign opera singers: Christian Bowers as Guglielmo, Pauls Putnins as Don Alfonso, Claire Debono as Despina, Jazmin Black Grollemund as Fiordiligi, Helen Sherman as Dorabella and Nico Darmanin as Ferrando. Accompanied by The Malta Philharmonic Orchestra. Directed by the renown Philp Walsh. Così Fan Tutte at the Manoel Theatre will be a daring and exciting production with Jack Furness as director and designer who cleverly captures all the elements of this popular opera. This production is supported by Bank of Valletta. Booking is from www.teatrumanoel.com.mt, or through the box office, telephone 2124 6389.

MT - Cosi - First Magazine.pdf

01/02/2019

14:38

Mozartâ€™s

Directed by Jack Furness | Conducted by Philip Walsh

CMY

Guglielmo Christian Bowers Despina Claire Debono Don Alfonso Pauls Putnins Fiordiligi Jazmin Black Grollemund Dorabella Helen Sherman Ferrando Nico Darmanin

Malta Philharmonic Orchestra

tickets from

teatrumanoel.mt

THEATRE

THE RHYTHM OF ROMANCE

FIRST speaks to Maltese tenor Nico Darmanin ahead of his first ever big band concert, which promises to make this Valentine’s Day truly Unforgettable. Words by Laura Bonnici. Photography Brian Grech. ith Valentine’s Day just around the corner, love will soon be in the air for romantics everywhere – and what better way to celebrate than with the music of love? For Valentine’s weekend only, Maltese tenor Nico Darmanin will be performing classic songs from music’s golden age of romance in his big band concert, ‘Unforgettable’. “I am unabashedly romantic,” Nico said with a smile. “I think the Valentine’s period is the ideal time to bring the golden oldies back to Malta. This music genre is timeless and can inspire that spark of love in anyone, young or old. If you are single, your true love might just be the person sitting next to you at the concert. If you are in a relationship, bring your significant other, hold hands and enjoy those love songs that will warm the cockles of the heart and rekindle your spirit of love…” Better known as one of the rising stars of international opera, Nico’s first ever big band, swing and jazz concert will also feature singer Jasmine Abela and will be accompanied by live music from Malta’s favourite swinging band, the Big Band Brothers, under the direction of Daniel Cauchi. 56

“THIS MUSIC GENRE IS TIMELESS AND CAN INSPIRE THAT SPARK OF LOVE IN ANYONE, YOUNG OR OLD.”

Including vintage hits immortalised by artists such as Mario Lanza, Nat King Cole and Frank Sinatra, ‘Unforgettable’ will bring to life the fittingly-magnificent Gran Salon inside the National Museum of Archaeology in Valletta. The concert also marks a brief departure from Nico’s thriving career overseas. As well as performing at the Royal Opera House in London, with the Welsh National Opera and with the Scottish Opera, Nico recently made his debut performance at the world-famous Glyndebourne Opera House. “This music and the songs being performed were sung by some of the greatest singers ever – many of whom had more of a classical background,” Nico continued. “I am so excited, as an opera singer, to tackle this repertoire! I feel it is time for me to attempt my own renditions of these songs in Malta, in the hope of making people fall in love again – with each other and with this music that is so special to me.” Unforgettable – A Concert by Nico Darmanin will take place on 14, 15 and 16 February 2019 at the National Museum of Archaeology, Valletta. Tickets are available from www.ticketline.com.mt

THEATRE

THEATRE without limitations

TEATRU MALTA has a sensational programme of events lined up for everyone and anyone who's up for some theatre! 2019 marks the year of the National Theatre company's second programme. Photography by Lindsey Bahia. eatru Malta prides itself in making theatre more accessible, without limitations; constantly focusing on developing a cultural ecosystem that has no walls and no structural or artistic boundaries. The 2019 programme campaign, shot by Marija Grech, focuses on dream sequences of picture puzzles that engulf the audience whole and collectively make up this year’s event line up. Shows have been programmed in venues staggered all over Malta and Gozo for the enjoyment of all audiences. Prioritizing the democratisation of theatre, the National Theatre company aims to bring theatre to the community as well as the community to theatre in order to spark innovative and bold experimentation that cultivates new audiences and new conversations. This might leave you wondering what’s lined up for interested theatregoers. Well, quite a lot actually. This programme of events will have you travelling to Kalkara, St Venera, Gozo and Mdina, just to mention a few. Why all these different locations you may ask? Teatru Malta are generally “why not?” kind of people. 2019 will see a new thrilling musical theatre piece VII composed and directed by The New 58

Victorians, commemorating the Sette Giugno centenary at Fort St Elmo; Anthony Burgess’s cult classic A Clock Work Orange translated to Maltese by Wayne Flask, and re-invented for a contemporary teenage audience under the direction of Sean Buhagiar; and an outdoor stage adaptation of the best-selling novel Pope Joan at the Mdina Ditch directed by Irene Christ. But that can’t possibly be all now can it? Of course not! Events will also include the touring street circus Xilallu taking place in random locations across Malta, monologue masterclasses as part of the Il-Klassi tasSurmast programme with Stella Pulo, and the return of Trikki Trakki a festival for children directed by Antonella Axisa. The very first project on Teatru Malta’s calendar of events is the adorable half-hour long children’s opera based on Clare Azzopardi’s award winning children’s book Il-Qtates ta’ max-Xatt directed by Denise Mulholland; certainly one not to miss! Whether it be through dreams or venues, Teatru Malta is here to take you on a journey. Want to know more? Visit teatrumalta.org.mt or call 21220255 for more information.

THEATRE

A CHANGE OF TUNE This February, talented local actor Rambert Attard will be ditching his usual ‘funny guy’ roles to play Boris, a ‘stone-faced, tough, no-nonsense kind kind of guy’ in Unifaun Theatre Productions’ The Acrobat. Perhaps I play the idiot a bit too well,” said Rambert, who is well-known for his joyful character both on and off-stage. After winning ‘Most Promising Actor’ in 2012 at the MADC One Acts Play Festival, Rambert’s name was put on the map, and he has since performed in numerous productions, including the Traverse Theatre in Edinburgh and Fængslet in Denmark. Now, Rambert will be taking to the stage at the intimate Spazju Kreattiv theatre, alongside a talented cast of actors from New York, UK, Italy, Switzerland, Hungary and Malta. So, how has he been preparing for his new role? “While reading the script, I started to envisage how I would be playing Boris, experimenting with his walk and persona, under the guidance of our director, Stephen Oliver, of course,” he said. The character of Boris, a loyal servant to his Master Vincent, was, in fact, the character that initially attracted him to 60

the play. “It’s not your typical vampire story, it’s a solid script and the themes that emerge as the play goes on are quite relevant to current issues,” he said. Adapted from Italian writer Agnes Moon’s best-selling novel of the same name, The Acrobat tells the enrapturing tale of a professional thief who finds himself trapped in the enormous residence of a dark, mysterious man. “I think the audience is in for a good night at the theatre, with a very entertaining rom-com that will have you enthralled when things get serious,” said Rambert. Unifaun Theatre Productions’ production of The Acrobat will be staged at Spazju Kreattiv in Valletta on 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 22, 23 and 24 February at 8 pm. Tickets start at €15 for stalls and €10 for balcony seats and are available from www.kreattivita.org.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Capturing a rapidly changing environment In his first book First Photographs, 27-year-old architect and photographer JULIAN VASSALLO presents a series of images which capture the impact of urban development on rapidly changing environments. First spoke to him about his work Words by Joanna Demarco. Photography by Julian Vassallo

t 27, Julian Vassallo, an architect by training, has been working in the field of architecture for two years – perhaps no better way of gaining exposure to Malta’s urban development. Photography was never something he intentionally chose to do, but over the last eight years it has gradually become part of his day-to-day life and for the last four years he has also been experimenting – and working in – the darkroom. “As a young architect, I feel that I am partially responsible for the future growth and preservation of our built/natural environment, both in its physical presence and the discussions that directly affect it,” he said, when asked how his field has influenced his photography and subject matter. “Looking at these various environments from an objective approach, such as photography, allows me to communicate current cultural conditions clearly, which are often not so obvious in our day-to-day lives.” However, although First Photographs contains photographs of Malta, Julian did not want to create a book specifically about Malta, but about a generic place – and its culture. Through the book, the exhibition that was held at

Blitz last month and image stills, Julian hopes that he will inspire discussion. “The photographs try to represent and reflect the values of a culture that we are already aware of but have somehow come to accept.” An online store is currently being set up on which Julian’s book and prints of some of his photographs will be available for purchase. He can also be contacted directly on julianvassallo@gmail.com to arrange private viewings. This project was supported by the Arts Council Malta – Malta Arts Fund

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