FIRST September 2015

SCHOOL VERSUS HOME EDUCATION I TRAVEL TO SWITZERLAND I TRADITIONAL BOAT BUILDING LIFE AFTER CHILDREN I THE SEARCH FOR A FEMALE ROLE MODEL, WITH DOCTOR JOANNA DELIA HILARY GALEA-LAURI SETS OFF FOR A 1,600KM CHARITY BIKE RIDE I MOVIES FILMED IN MALTA I SYDNEY CONTEMPORARY I FASHION TIPS I COFFEE MAKING I BEAUTY I COMPETITIONS

SEPTEMBER 2015

Photograph by Alan Carville

Grabbing life by the horns… steer! There is nothing more satisfying than to be surrounded by the results of your own hard work. Whether it’s your own home that has been renovated or redecorated, a career or hobby that has been carved out from long hours and determination, a business that has come from humble beginnings and with much trepidation, or your own family, we all have something to be proud of, or at least something for which we should give ourselves the credit – however hard it is for some to be satisfied or self-forgiving. I, for one, have been sitting in my own home and admiringly tracing back where from and how my fiancé and I decided on each and every piece of furniture, painting, wall colours, and even which walls to knock down and rebuild... it’s one of life’s journeys we can go through and for me it has been exhilarating, however pleased I am to have a break from builders, till the next time! The world is full of exhilarating moments and interesting people – it is just up to us to seek them out and feel inspired. And without fail I do – especially with every magazine that I have ever put together: there is so much creativity and will to make the world a better place. Albert Delia continues searching for those who are keeping Maltese tradition alive and finds out more about the centuries old-tradition of boat-building in Malta; nomad sailor Dini Martinez continues to share her travelling experiences with us, this time dipping her toes in the cool lakes of Switzerland while questioning the future of the education system for her young boys; beauty doctor Joanna Delia embarks on a new business venture alone; Claire Bugelli inspires us to pursue our own dreams after the children have grown up; bloggers The Clouded Revolution share their innovative fashion tips for both guys and gals; and photographer Federico Peltretti also takes over as stylist of this issue’s fashion story... Until the less scorching October issue, kick back and just be!

EDITOR LILY AGIUS LAGIUS@INDEPENDENT.COM.MT ADVERTISING & ADVERT PLACEMENTS CLAIRE BONDIN GAFA CGAFA@INDEPENDENT.COM.MT DESIGNER CONRAD BONDIN CBONDIN@INDEPENDENT.COM.MT ARTISTIC DIRECTOR SEAN ELLUL PRODUCTION MANAGER ANDRE CAMILLERI ACAMILLERI@INDEPENDENT.COM.MT ARTWORK COORDINATOR CHRISTINE SPITERI CMIFSUD@INDEPENDENT.COM.MT CONTRIBUTORS ALBERT DELIA, CLAIRE BUGELLI, CORYSE BORG, DINI MARTINEZ, FEDERICO PELTRETTI, GARY WESCOTT FROM THE HAIR LOUNGE, GILLIAN ZAMMIT, JEAN-PIERRE BORG, JOANNA DELIA, JONATHAN BORG, JUDY FALZON, NAOMI CURTIS, THE CLOUDED REVOLUTION, VERONICA BEZZINA, HILARY GALEALAURI, ZOE MUSCAT. PUBLISHER STANDARD PUBLICATIONS, STANDARD HOUSE, BIRKIKARA HILL, ST JULIAN’S. TEL. 003562134-5888 PRINTER PRINT IT EMAIL FIRST@INDEPENDENT.COM.MT ONLINE WWW.INDEPENDENT.COM.MT FACEBOOK FIRSTMAGAZINE. COVER DETAILS PORTRAIT OF DOCTOR JOANNA DELIA AT HOME, BY FEDERICO PELTRETTI FIRST IS PUBLISHED EVERY MONTH AS A COMPLIMENTARY MAGAZINE WITH THE MALTA INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY AND IS NOT TO BE SOLD SEPARATELY.

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Inside

8 FIRST WORD

45 EDUCATION AT HOME DEBATE

11 THE UNDER-RATED HERO

46 CREATIVE THERAPY

15 FILMED IN MALTA

49 MASQUERADE THEATRE COMPANY

With artist Debbie Caruana Dingli

The sea has established Malta as a film-making destination with a mega list of stars and titles to be proud of

17 TRAVELOGUE

From Switzerland

22 PEOPLE AND SKIN

Catching up with Dr. Joanna Delia

25 CONTEMPORARY ART

Inside, to unwind

Marks 18 years of ‘buzzing’ success

51 SCHOOL OF PERFORMING ARTS

Gillian Zammit gives us the lowdown

52 THE PERFECT BLEND

The art of brewing coffee, at Costa Coffee

56 FILMED IN MALTA

At The Sydney Contemporary

Malta has it all, from grand fortified harbours to quaint old villages

28 FASHION TIPS

59 DEAR CLAIRE

For the ladies from The Clouded Revolution

30 FASHION TIPS

For the gentlemen from The Clouded Revolution

33 THE ENDLESS SUMMER

This issue’s fashion feature

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Raincoat from 1-2-3; Nour jewellery from Porto; Betty Barclay bag from Mei

Of the Maltese Regatta

School verses home education

Life after children

62 LAST WORD

With Hilary Galea-Lauri before setting off for a charity cycle challenge

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SEND us YOUR COMMENTS To FIRST magazine, Standard Publications Ltd., B’kara Hill, St Julian’s. 6

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first word

Maltese artist Debbie Caruana Dingli lives in Siggiewi with her sons Bruce and Steve, 3 dogs and 3 cats. She is fresh from her Bank of Valletta retrospective exhibition, and as down to earth as can be.

The most inspirational person in my life has been British

playwright, novelist and short story writer William Somerset Maugham.

The most unforgettable place I visited recently is the large open cave in Armier, next to the camping site.

The last thing I added to my wardrobe was an Arena bathing costume in black and yellow – I am a keen swimmer! The best gift I have received recently was from three lovely student friends. It was a package in the shape of a book, brimming with paints and writings. I shall leave it just as it is and never use those paints as it makes me smile when I look at it. The last song I listened to was ‘Mad World’ by Gary Jules.

The book I am reading is The Secret Lives of Somerset Maugham: A Biography, by Selina Hastings. My most recent find is a lovely pathway on the other side of Wied iz-Zurrieq that takes the dogs and I right down to the sea called ‘Il-Mile’. The websites I will often browse are Rubs Puppy Love, Island Sanctuary, SPCA, Gozo SPCA, and some art here and there.

From the top: Portrait of Somerset Maugham by Graham Sutherland; Portrait of Debbie by Pippa Zammit Cutajar; Jumpers at Wied iz-Zurrieq by Debbie Caruana Dingli; Inside Sagrada Familia by architect Antonio Gaudí.

The most beautiful building in the world is the interior of Gaudi’s Sagrada Famiglia. It took my breath away!

If had no choice but to change my line of work I would love to

are back

The objects I would never part with sentimental memories.

ones

that

bring

If I could get away for the day it would have to be to Gozo with my partner Tonio, without

a car, so we walk, swim or take a bus.

One thing I never get round to doing and wish to is learn how to use a computer well. It will never happen.

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teach a class of 8 year olds all the basic subjects plus physical education, art, drama, with a big emphasis on nature! I would also like to get them to look at computer screens less... I guess this will be in my next life!

swimming around Comino with friends with a boat in tow, handing us food and drinks whenever we need them. I wish I could do it every week!

My most luxurious habit is

You can view Debbie Caruana Dingli’s latest artworks at Lily Agius Gallery, 54 Cathedral Street, Sliema. www.lilyagiusgallery.com

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07/09/2015 17:37

ID-DGHAJSA TAL-PASS the under-rated hero of the Maltese regatta By Albert Delia. Photography by Jonathan Borg Âť

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ith September traditionally being ‘regatta season’, I went to find out more about Maltese hydrodynamic engineering that has been around for centuries: ‘id-dgħajsa tal-pass’. This indigenous sea-craft was originally designed to carry cargo and people across harbours but, over time, its use has changed considerably.

In order to gain a deeper understanding of the routes and origins of this boat, I had a chat with the curators of the Malta Maritime Museum – Heritage Malta senior curator Emmanuel Magro Conti and museum curator Liam Gauci – who explained the local significance of this boat. The dgħajsa tal-pass is synonymous with the people of the Cottonera area – and they love it! Just as the Eiffel Tower is a Parisian symbol, this boat serves the same purpose for the people of the three cities. Its original design dates back to the time of the Knights, but its present form has been around for more or less the last century. The classical version of the boat is somewhat wider and curved, although it has slimmed down and become more streamlined over the years, and it was quite normal to have an image of a saint on the back of the boat. During the period between the two world wars there were around a thousand dgħajjes tal-pass registered in Malta, with the possibility of twice as many in total if you include the ones that were not registered. Today there are fewer than a hundred of these boats still around, including about seven variations at the Malta Maritime Museum. In earlier days, the regatta served as an opportunity for people to identify more effective boat designs. During the race it was possible to identify the design capable of covering the greatest distance with a single stroke. The building of these boats specifically for racing began after WWII; up until then, the boats used in regattas were the same ones used by people to earn a living. Nowadays these boats are built primarily for racing rather than for moving cargo and transporting passengers. The regatta as we know it today, using the dgħajsa tal-pass can be traced back to the time of the Knights of St John and the races as we know them today began after World War I. The most famous story of the dgħajsa tal-pass is about the time when the boat was invited to compete with the most famous small boat in the world – the Venetian gondola. The story goes that the Maltese boat managed to beat the Venetian craft with flying colours. »

THE TRADITION OF BUILDING THESE BOATS IS NOWADAYS KEPT ALIVE BY A FEW HIGHLY SKILLED CRAFTSMEN WHO STILL USE THE SAME METHODS AS THOSE EMPLOYED HUNDREDS OF YEARS AGO 12

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A Dghajsa tal-Pass at the Malta Maritime Museum «The earliest recorded accounts of this boat date back to the 1500s and since then it has served a multitude of uses – from carrying food and supplies to ships anchored inside the harbour to carrying women to provide certain ‘illicit’ services to the people who where quarantined at Manuel Island. In this case, the woman would stay on the boat next to Fort Manuel, where she would inform the inhabitants of her presence through singing (rather along the lines of the myth of the siren!). These boats were also used for the movement of contraband – those being used for this purpose were painted black to blend into the night. The boats were never left anchored or berthed – a practice that continued until World War II. They have been used for all sorts of purposes – reflecting a multitude of human emotions from desperation to exhilaration, etc. Lyrical prose has been written about id-dgħajsa tal-pass, depicting the soft

candle-lit silhouette of the boat under the night sky accompanied by the singing of rowers and the strings of a guitar. It was not uncommon for naval officers to serenade potential lovers from these boats. Throughout history, the rower – ‘Ilbarklor’ – and the boat had an almost symbiotic relationship. Wherever there was an area close to the sea, inhabited by people that needed to go from point A to point B, the dgħajsa tal-pass was there – the transportation equivalent to today’s bus. The tradition of building these boats is nowadays kept alive by a few highly skilled craftsmen who still use the same methods as those employed hundreds of years ago. Alex Gatt is a sea-faring man, and when he is not working on AFM patrol boats, you’ll find him at the Cospicua Regatta Club – either servicing and maintaining the Club’s boats or building new ones. When you enter his workshop you immediately notice a full-scale diagram – which covers the entire length of one wall – depicting the proportions and curvature of a boat’s spine and ribs. Alex is one of only a handful of people with the knowledge and skill required to construct these craft and when I asked him if this knowledge had been handed down to him from his father, he replied that this was not the case. In fact, his first encounter was something that sounded more like it had come straight out of a film. It all started when Alex was five years old and came across them by chance after his football ended up next to a boat-builder working on the skeleton of a boat. Over 30 years later, he’s one of the foremost authorities on the building of these boats and one of about only four people left. Alex tells me that the full-scale designs attached to the wall are an essential piece of the building process for every boat. When I asked him where the drawings had come from, he told me that they used to be graffiti along the walls of the Mandragg in Birgu, that were used by boat-builders back in the old days to construct their own vessels. The skeleton of a dgħajsa tal-pass has 60 ribs in total – 30 on each side. These ribs consist of two parts: the‘majjieri’, the lower part that is connected to the spine, and the ‘stamnari’, the upper part. It takes about an hour-and-a-half to perfectly align each set of ribs and about six weeks to build the skeleton of a boat. Nowadays, only racing versions of id-dgħajsa tal-pass are built. The primary difference between these and the older version is that these boats are built primarily for speed rather than load-bearing and passenger comfort. In addition, each boat has to strictly adhere to Regatta regulations, which means that they have to weigh in at 188 kilos. Alex personally knows of only one well-maintained example of a dgħajsa tal-pass that is fit for its originally intended purpose. Although the thought that he may be one of the last traditional boat-builders disappoints him, Alex understands that it is not possible to make a living from building these boats due to insufficient demand. He is happy that there are more young people taking an interest in rowing in regattas but, that being said, more still needs to be done to promote the sport. The fact that the port’s commercial function hinders the effective organisation of these boat races is a matter of considerable concern. Alex remembers with nostalgia when the port used to be closed for the day so that this age-old Maltese sport could be properly enjoyed by participants and spectators alike.

THE DGHAJSA TAL-PASS IS SYNONYMOUS WITH THE PEOPLE OF THE COTTONERA AREA

Alex Gatt – in his workshop at Cospicua Regatta Club – one of the last remaining builders of these boats 14

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A travelogue from Switzerland

By Dini Martinez. Âť 17

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he day I arrived in Geneva I didn’t know much about Switzerland beyond mountains, cheese and chocolate, which is somehow a beautiful position to be in. Everything that lay before me was new and mysterious and exciting. I had never heard of place names like Bitsch, Wankdorf, Bubikon, Gross, Les Arses, or Moron before. Neither had I heard of words like ‘quelheuretly’ (a SwissGermanised French word), ‘hurrageil’ (a quite obscene yet commonly-used word with German origins) or Choocheechashtlee (must win worldwide contests for the trickiest word for kitchen cupboard – ch pronounced like the last desperate exhalation of a dying walrus). More things new in my world included weighing down your stomach with a kilo of white bread dipped in the smelliest melted pot of cheese and a country where everyone was at the very least tri-lingual from the word go.

A glimpse of history and culture

Switzerland is renowned for its neutrality in international affairs. It was one of the last widely-recognised countries to join the UN in 2002, leaving only The Vatican behind. Switzerland was also the last Western republic to grant women the right to vote, with the last Swiss canton, Appenzell Innerrhoden, only forced into approving this in 1990. Switzerland’s unique traces of direct democracy are also most fascinating for a politically interested traveller like me. For instance, by gathering 50,000 signatures within 100 days, any group of citizens may challenge any law passed by Parliament. The same goes for constitutional amendments. Whilst their democracy might be quite direct, the Swiss themselves are rather diplomatic – which maybe a side-effect of being a federation with no culture or language in common and thus the need for constant compromise and tolerance.

Geneva bordering France and the world

Back to my arrival in Geneva: it was a late summer afternoon and after work all the locals, as well as the innumerable expats from 185 countries, seemed to be rolling down towards the edge of the sparkling lake, like marbles thrown down a steep hill. I briefly wondered whether the warming up of one of the largest of Switzerland’s 1,500 lakes would have an effect on the six per cent of drinking water that this country supplies to Europe, but was quickly taken away from more ridiculous reflections. My flat-mates took me down to Bains des Paquis, where we had a refreshing splash and chill-out on the packed little beach. When they suggested dinner across the pontoon in a bustling rustic bar I hesitated at first. My meagre student budget didn’t quite cater for restaurant outings. Becalmed by their reassurance that it was nothing fancy, we grabbed a delicious – and indeed inexpensive – bite to eat at a place whose daily specials and non-sumptuousness would attract me more often than any other. Later that evening, we went to a lawn near the university grounds where more unconventional bars popped up out of nowhere. Faces from all walks of life across the green with drinks in their hands were chatting away in the warm light of dusk. Snippets of conversation reflected fascinating international issues: the latest debrief from a posting to an African aid project, the most recent Red Cross trip to the Orient, the cutting-edge scientific breakthroughs of the locally situated CERN or the hottest gossip from the UN headquarters. Soon after sunset, a salsa band started playing. As vivid discussions turned into shimmies on the dance floor, I knew I was going to like this place. These people couldn’t only talk, they could also let loose!

Laupen in Bernese lands

Several weeks into my UN contract I had the opportunity to catch a Swiss train. Swiss trains are a bit like the tube in London – everyone takes them, on time, all the time and everywhere. Within a few hours I found myself in what looked and felt like a different country. Instead of French, everyone spoke the weirdest kind of German I had ever heard. Instead of baguette and croissants, the bakeries served dark German rye bread and discussions somehow turned more around national Swiss politics. Rather than international dilemmas, things like ‘six weeks of vacation for everyone’, ‘state’s gambling earnings to be used in the public interest’ and ‘sex boxes with special parking space in Zurich’ were debated before rounds of Jassen, the national sport – aka card game – turned dusk into dawn on a regular basis. In Switzerland’s German part, standard German words like käsekuchen (‘cheesecake’) turn into chächuchelee, cafe into chäfelee and chocolate into schöggelee. Everything seemed a bit ‘chlee’, ie ‘small and cute’, including the half-timbered houses and Bernese chalets looking as if they were out of a Heidi film set. My architectural admiration, over a delicious drop of local semi-white, seemed to mirror the locals: both reflect the Swiss tradition of discretion. The most admired constructions do not include any of the world’s tallest or most expensive buildings. Instead, every major trend in Europe is reflected somewhere in a modest way. I settle my bill with a young waiter looking like a blend of Roger Federer and the little rose-cheeked boy on every Zwieback pack: simply adorable! 18

WE PASSED PLACES WHOSE NAMES I SO FAR HAD ONLY RELATED TO CHEESE, NOT MOUNTAINOUS GREEN GEOGRAPHY, LIKE GRUYERE AND EMMENTAL. DELICIOUS!

Ticino near Italy

A few weeks later, on another weekend trip, the scenery was completely different as a colleague took me to her home in Ticino. On the way we passed places whose names I so far had only related to cheese, not mountainous green geography, like Gruyere and Emmental. Delicious! When we arrived, I thought we’d sneaked into Italy

skipping the official border. Apart from the Italian language and typical stone houses, there were gelato stands everywhere, proper pizza made in stone ovens and vast piazzas on and around which town life bustled. In a café lining one of the town squares, a Saturday afternoon sipping Campari on ice turned into an evening of entertainment, watching the observed and the observers strolling past, like life at a Milan fashion show. People talked more with their hands than in the German and French parts and the traditional stone houses bore no resemblance to mountain chalets. All in all, I felt I got three countries in one, yet all of them were neither pure French or German or Italian, let alone Romansh (the country’s forth official language), but had the added benefit of Swiss charm to them. Some things you’ll find in every canton, such as soul-caressing chocolate fondues, a to-die-for variety of delicious cheese, some variation of raclette and friendly, polite and welcoming people. These days, whether it’s for skiing in the mountains, hiking in summer or visiting friends by the lakes – my heart always fills with joy when I find an opportunity to travel back to the mountains. From Malta, there are regular flights to various Swiss airports, including Geneva, Lugano, Basel and Zurich. 19

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NOTHING VENTURED, NOTHING GAINED Coryse Borg meets up for a chat with aesthetic physician Dr Joanna Delia to speak about her new enterprise – and finds a woman whose positive outlook on life will undoubtedly serve her well as she embarks on her new adventure.

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Photography by Federico Peltretti meet Dr Delia a few minutes away from her beautiful house in Valletta and in the short time it takes us to reach her home I already know that this woman is a force to be reckoned with – while also being extremely affable and easy to get on with. By the time, we are ensconced in her airy living room, sipping icecold water, I am slightly in awe of this young woman who has already achieved so much in such a short time. A doctor by profession, Joanna is, in her own words, “unmarried and vegetarian. I won’t buy plastic or battery-operated toys for my kids. I’m kind of a feminist. I’m very passionate about human rights and animal rights. I love travelling, design and the arts tremendously.” The word ‘passionate’ seems, in fact, to sum up Joanna very well. It permeates everything in her life, including her love of renovating property: “I bought my first place when I was still at university. I had fallen in with a crowd of people who were fervent about buildings and their conversion,” she explains. “Since then, I’ve done up a few properties and absolutely loved the process.” She bought her current home in 2008, although the work proper began in 2010. With the support of her partner Henry Petersen, who hails from the Faroe Islands, she turned a derelict property into a modern airy oasis of light. In the meantime, they had two children, Peppi who is now three and Leila who is almost one-and-a-half. Joanna’s background is in medicine: she graduated as a Doctor of Medicine and Surgery at the University of Malta in 2004 and then eventually moved on to become an aesthetic physician. “I set up my first company in 2010. It was my dream and I worked very hard. We set out to do something – to sell happiness – and I believe we really managed to do that. It was a challenging experience and I learnt a lot, but now it’s time to move on and create something new. With the first

company, I didn't have the courage to do it on my own – I didn’t have enough faith in myself. Now, I do,” she says, flashing a luminous smile. “Rather than a business, I think of my new venture as a community,” she tells me. “Every client should

“MY JOB IS TO MAKE PEOPLE A LITTLE HAPPIER. THIS IS WHAT I DO IT FOR. A ‘LITTLE’ ISSUE CAN HINDER SOMEONE’S ABILITY TO HAVE SELF-CONFIDENCE. SOME PEOPLE CANNOT BEAR TO LOOK IN THE MIRROR BECAUSE OF SOMETHING THAT MAY BE SMALL, BUT WHICH IS HUGE TO THEM.”

be treated on an individual basis. I believe the words ‘perfect’ or ‘beautiful’ are rubbish. There is nothing standard. I have to help my clients to allow themselves to understand that some things are just fine the way they are. On the other hand, if there’s a small issue that would make them happier – well, that’s different.” She says that the best thing about her job is that it gives her clients confidence. “As a doctor, people immediately confide in you. You are given this honourable position of trust. I tell my clients that the fact that they trust me with their face is an honour,” she says. “My job is to make people a little happier. This is what I do it for. A ‘little’ issue can hinder someone’s ability to have self-confidence. Some people cannot bear to look in the mirror because of something that may be small, but which is huge to them. After their treatment, you see them coming in a week later looking taller and happier. It’s bizarre. They actually have a better posture: they’re not hiding any more. My job is not life-saving but it can be life-changing.” Before I leave, I ask Joanna if she has a maxim in life and her answer is this: ‘You can be whoever you want to be; you can do whatever you want to do’. “Unfortunately, some women find this hard to believe, even nowadays,” she says. “When I was about 10 years old, I was asked who my local role models were and I had no answer. I didn’t want to choose a man, and I couldn’t think of a woman who inspired me, especially in the fields of science and medicine. We need to give primary school girls role models. We need them to know that they don’t need to compromise – they can look pretty and be intelligent and have a career as well. Women can do anything on their own. “You don’t need to be pigeon-holed. Buy your own property. Stop complaining that your boss stops you from getting ahead. Become the boss instead. Don’t be afraid!” You can contact Dr Joanna Delia by email on joanna@joannadelia.com 23

Sydney Contemporary Australasia’s international contemporary art fair, Sydney Contemporary, returned last week, with Australia’s largest and most diverse gathering of Australian and international galleries. 

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oused at Sydney’s striking contemporary arts precinct, Carriageworks, the fair presented over 90 galleries from 13 countries, offering visitors access to cutting-edge art from some of the world’s most respected artists as well as the opportunity to discover the next generation of emerging talent. Alongside the galleries were curated sectors for contemporary video, installation art and performance as well as dynamic talks and a tour programme presented by industry leaders. The Fair was also home to a pop-up restaurant by Sydney’s much-loved dining institutions, Longrain and The Subcontinental. Sydney Contemporary boasted five days of public programs, appealing to the experienced, the novice, the discerning art enthusiast and those simply curious about buying and living with art. Created by Tim Etchells, the co-founder of ART HK (now Art Basel in Hong Kong) and more recently the Hong Kong art fair Art Central, the event is the latest and most exciting addition to a lineup of increasingly influential fairs around the world. Having attracted over 28,000 collectors, industry professionals and the artloving public to the inaugural edition in 2013, Sydney Contemporary 2015 is one of the most celebrated events on Australia’s cultural calendar.

Sydney Art Fair closes today. For more information log on to www.sydneycontemporary.com.au 26

“SYDNEY CONTEMPORARY REPRESENTS THE FIRST TIME THIS CITY HAS HOSTED A SERIOUS, HIGH-END ART FAIR. WE EXPECT IT TO PLAY A SIGNIFICANT ROLE IN HELPING TO FOCUS ATTENTION ON THE SYDNEY ART SCENE IN THE SAME WAY THAT ART HK FOCUSED ATTENTION ON ASIAN ART,” - Tim Etchells, Founder Art Fairs Australia and co-founder ART HK (now Art Basel in Hong Kong)

Previous page: Untitled, 2014, oil on canvas, 194 x 144cm, by Shin Kwang Ho, Yavuz Gallery Top Left: Another Game, Michael Muir Left: Stefan Dunlop, Edwina Corlette Gallery Above: David, 2013, 70 x 30 x 30cm, by Jonathan Owen, Ingleby Gallery, Edinburgh: 19th century marble figure with further carving Below: Future Perfect, Arin Runjang

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s we brainstormed for possible themes to discuss this month, we got a pang of unwelcome nostalgia at the thought of Back to School being a no-go subject to tackle. The inherent link between the month of September and the return to academia is so ingrained into our mental calendars that it was hard to detach ourselves from the concept without getting separation anxiety. If you cannot grasp the picture, imagine having to get out of bed in the middle of winter to go to work. See what we mean? In the end, we decided to consciously uncouple from the theme without going through a complete and messy divorce. Instead, we swapped our school satchels and pencil cases for briefcases and heels in an effort to address business attire staples. The biggest challenge when getting dressed for work, especially for the fashion-inclined, is maintaining the right balance between adequacy and style. Most of the time, this leads to repetition and an

automatic fear of colour. It doesn’t have to be that way. One thing to remember is that, nowadays, there are so many different shapes and proportions available that are still given the green light for the office. A case in point: the culottes. It’s a key shape that has been dominating the runway for quite a few seasons now, and shows no sign of disappearing. On the contrary, the variations they come under are growing in numbers, be it length, colour, print or detailing. Treat culottes as if they were pencil skirts: below the knee is a safe bet, and pairing them with pre-existing pieces in your wardrobe is ridiculously easy. If you’re one to tire easily of your clothes, approach your work-wear shopping as you would cooking: if it lacks flavour, add some spice. In simpler terms, if you’re in the market for a basic item, consider a slight twist. White shirts, the ultimate building block of any wardrobe the world over, can be elevated with a creatively-placed pleat, or a longer hemline, or an unusual collar. The same can be said for all other items, without going overboard with the pepper, as it were. One final trick: layering can be just as useful. Do you have any crop tops (yes, crop tops) you can’t let go of? A cropped sweater, for instance? Layer it over a dress or a white shirt, and you get double the wear for twice as long! The Clouded Revolution consists of three sartorial astronauts headed towards Planet Style. Embark on their space odyssey by visiting www.cloudedrevolution.com/ www.facebook.com, TheCloudedRevolution and their Instagram @cloudedrevolution

NEW OPENING HOURS Monday - Friday: 10am - 7pm Saturday: 10am - 2pm Westin Dragonara Resort, St. Julians T: 23745031

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Left to right: River Island double breasted suit jacket; ASOS smart shirt with checked Gingham ; ASOS smart shirt in stripe; ASOS black belt in croc effect Below right: Daniel Wellington classic Sheffield; Sandqvist buck leather card holder

Who’s the BOSS? Let us propose this allegorical theory for you: when getting dressed for work, consider the suit as the sun and all your other switchable accessories as the planets revolving around it. The question remains, what is Venus, what is Mars, but – most of all – what is the Sun?

Above: Burberry London Gabardine trench coat Below: Sandqvist Alex leather laptop bag

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hen it comes to men’s fashion, the options are already quite limited. Factor in the nightmare that is the dreaded dress code, and the possibilities go from slim to skin-and-bones. The workplace is, with the exception of weddings, the hub of said nightmares, home to all that is dull, dreary and downright dreadful in the world of fashion. Bar creative jobs and, even better, freelancing, your work environment calls for shirts, polished shoes and strictly no jeans. Casual Fridays are a luxury in this day and age. Realistically, there is hardly any leeway for creative dressing. Unbuttoned shirts are already cause for alarm, and anything along the chromatic spectrum which can be replicated in rainforest flora and fauna is dangerous territory. Except that it isn’t, not if you approach business clothing with the correct eye and the right amount of restraint – unless you’re joining clown school, in which

case feel free to go nuts. Whether you’re a conservative dresser or a fearless fashion fiend, some sartorial equations work day in, day out because of certain constants. A versatile suit in an easy-to-match colour, like navy or dark grey, is not meant solely for shirts and ties. A white T-shirt is the perfect accompaniment after hours. An overcoat in a similarly classic colour is also perfect for colder days, but if you really want to strike a chord with your colleagues, and encourage a nod of approval from your boss, invest in the indubitable epitome of timeless outerwear: the trench coat. You get brownie points if the above-mentioned trench coat is by Burberry; points subtracted if you brag too much about it. You might not feel the need to purchase any new clothing, to which we say: fair enough. May we interest you in a suave timepiece, or a lovely laptop bag? What about footwear? Remember that there are no laces options available that do not require the simulation of a lip wax. (Velcro, people: we’re talking about Velcro.) Ultimately, the base note of this here text is that, if at first you can’t make things fun, at least make them easier – unless you’re joining clown school... The Clouded Revolution is comprised of three sartorial astronauts headed towards Planet Style. Embark on their space odyssey by visiting www.cloudedrevolution.com, www.facebook.com, TheCloudedRevolution and their Instagram @cloudedrevolution.

Exclusively imported by Charles Grech & Co. Ltd, Valley Road, B’Kara T: 2144 4400

The

ENDLESS SUMMER PHOTOGRAPHY & STYLING: FEDERICO PELTRETTI MAKE-UP: ZOE MUSCAT HAIR: GARY WESTCOTT, THE HAIR LOUNGE MODEL: NAOMI CURTIS

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Dress from 1-2-3; Betty Barclay Pochette from Mei; Gaby necklace from Porto; Nour ring from Porto; Shoes from ALDO shoes & Accessories 33

Dress from 1-2-3; Fran Dami clutch from Porto; Nour jewellery from Porto; Shoes from ALDO shoes & Accessories 34

Vera Mont dress from Mei; Ripani bag from Porto; Nour ring and earrings from Porto; necklace from 1-2-3; shoes from ALDO shoes & accessories 35

Dress from 1-2-3; Passigatti foulard from Porto; Vera Mont clutch from Mei; jewellery from 1-2-3; shoes from ALDO shoes & Accessories

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Vera Mont jumpsuit from Mei; hat from ALDO Shoes & Accessories; clutch from Porto; Nour jewellery from Porto; shoes from 1-2-3 37

Vera Mont dress from Mei; clutch from 1-2-3; Lola Rose ring from Porto; Nour necklace from Porto; shoes from ALDO shoes & Accessories 38

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Betty Barclay blouse from Mei; trousers from 1-2-3; Dank Smykkekunst bracelet and necklace from Porto; Betty Barclay foulard from Mei; Braccialini bag from Porto; shoes from ALDO Shoes & Accessories

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Noemie golden box clutch bag from 1-2-3, Westin Dragonara Resort, St. Julian’s, tel 23745031

Fascinating leather fringe bags from Chiara P. have just arrived at Porto. Certainly a fringe benefit not to be missed! Porto, Portomaso Shopping Complex. Tel 21372079 Elegant, contemporary, stylish fine Italian gemstone jewellery including earrings, bracelets and necklaces, available from HENRI Luxury Gift Boutique, Mdina and Pjazza Tigné. Delicate nuances gently reveal the essence of the woman wearing one of these fine creations. For more info tel 20106306/7 or visit facebook.com/henrimalta / www.henri.com.mt

Discover a wide selection of accessories at 1-2-3: including black and printed scarves, stoles, desert scarves, graphic clutches and feminine jewellery. 1-2-3, Westin Dragonara Resort, St. Julian’s, tel. 23745031. 42

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free-range education versus conventional schooling

By Dini Martinez

For much of history, enlisting professional teachers was an option available only to the elite. Until relatively recently, the vast majority of children were educated by their family. Only since the mid-19th century has the formal schooling in a classroom setting become the most common means of education throughout most of the world. Yet over the past few years, several countries such as Australia, New Zealand, the UK and the US have observed an exponential increase in homeschooled pupils, the latter now counting for three per cent.»

“There is no school equal to a decent home and no teacher equal to a virtuous parent.” – Mahatma Gandhi History

In the 1960s the first research was carried out into the effects of institutionalised schooling on children’s physical, mental and psychological development. Many American educational professionals such as Rushdoony, Holt and the Moores claimed that formalised education before the age of eight was harming children academically, socially, mentally and physiologically. According to their studies, increasingly earlier enrolment in childcare centres and schools was related to problems such as juvenile frustration, hyperactivity, delinquency and nearsightedness later in life. This is partially due to cutting short the bonds and emotional development made with parents during these early formative years.

Today’s approaches

Nowadays, approaches to home-schooling range from formalised distance education, to freestyle home-schooling and all the way to radical un-schooling. The latter is a curriculum-free education whereby the child’s interest spontaneously drives their pursuit of knowledge through natural life. Many parents are also influenced by alternative educational philosophies backed by the likes of Mason, Montessori and Steiner.

Why

Parents have different reasons for opting out of conventional school systems. The main ones include dissatisfaction with local schools, the quality of academic instruction, the curriculum and the avoidance of negative peer influences. Moreover, some parents show an interest in increased involvement with their children’s learning and development. They may desire to support their child’s special abilities (such as in athletics or music), be driven by religious reasons or simply wish to take advantage of the efficiency of one-to-one instruction. Still others simply live in too remote an area to access formalised institutions. Many find that learning through movement and action instead of sitting still for hours on end is more in-line with a child’s natural urge to learn. This argument is supported by numerous behavioural psychologists and cognitive scientists, as well the evolution of humankind itself. Back in the Stone Age, for instance, young boys went out with their fathers to learn how to hunt. In those days, a child’s natural tendency to move and explore was not diagnosed as ADD and the like, but was considered a positive and admirable requirement to prepare them for life.

The critics

Despite numerous studies showing the opposite, opponents doubt the academic quality, social ability and societal aptness of home-schooled pupils. According to research, however, many home-schooled pupils enrol in elite universities, are more active in their communities and civic affairs, vote in higher percentages and report that they are very happy with life. There are many successful people with a partial or complete homeschooling background. To name but a few, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Theodore Roosevelt, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Virginia Woolf, Thomas Edison and Julian Assange.

At the peak of home-schooling opposition is Germany’s High Court decision stating that children belong to the state, thus parents have no right to interfere with the way they are educated. Several German parents have been criminally convicted, threatened with loss of custody or denied the right of free movement due to their home-schooling decisions. On this basis, some have been granted asylum in the US, where the Supreme Court affirms that children are free individuals under the care and tutelage of their parents.

Who is responsible for children’s education?

Mike Donnelly, Home School Legal Defense Association (HDSL) lawyer, agrees that for any court to rule that the state has an interest equal to that of the parents in raising children is obvious nonsense. In his view, a pluralistic democracy must accept families who have different ideas about how to educate their children.

Around the world

Many countries, including most Commonwealth states, offer the option of home education to varying extents. Australia, for instance, has a well-established distance learning programme which was initiated for children growing up on remote farms. Today, many travelling Australian families take advantage of the programme. The UK and US also both offer renowned home-schooling packages like Calvert, Keystone, the American School of Correspondence and many others. Some of these are rough guidelines, whereas others include very detailed schedules curricula.

In Malta

Whilst school attendance in Malta is compulsory, there has been increasing amount of discussion on other options. Parents are in dialogue with the Education Ministry regarding the provision for home-schooling under the law. While the Education Act refers to compulsory school attendance, the Constitution of Malta states that education, not school attendance, is compulsory. The Education Act further states: “It is the right of every parent of a minor to give his decision with regard to any matter concerning the education which the minor is to receive.”

Real life

In reality, many parents simply cannot afford to home-school. Apart from the mental space and emotional capacity, financial circumstances often oblige both parents to work. Nevertheless, many of the ideas and approaches can also be included partially and in parallel with more institutionalised learning, thus harvesting the benefits of various approaches.

Every day, in a hundred small ways, our children ask: “Do you see me? Do you hear me? Do I matter?” Their behaviour often reflects our responses. 45

CREATIVE THERAPY

Who said colouring in is just for children? Grab some colouring pens and try losing yourself in this: one of many wonderful pages from Steve McDonald’s Fantastic Cities: A Colouring Book of Amazing Places Real and Imagined. Available online. 46

Kristina Ann Schranz

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

hip hop | breakdance | street dance | ballet acrobatics | musical theatre | contemporary jazz lyrical | jazz funk | modern theatre for i n fo c ont a c t Kr i s t i n a on 7 9 2 8 3 3 4 3 \ 7 9 5 9 6 1 7 8 or i n fo @ d an c e proj e c t . c om . mt

www.danceproject.com.mt

Above: The History Boys at Tearu Manoel Left: Aladdin panto at Teatru Manoel Below (left to right): Jack & the Beanstalk panto at Teatru Manoel; One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (poster)

SEE THEATRE, SEE LIFE! As Masquerade Theatre Company marks 18 years of ‘buzzing’ success, we speak to the co-founder Veronica Bezzina What is Masquerade Theatre Company? Masquerade is essentially a production theatre company and a performing arts school – the two elements being inextricably linked. Our base is M Space in Msida, which houses a collection of state-of-the-art studios and performance space called the ‘Blue Box’. The building is new – just three years old – and dynamic and you can feel the energy pulsating through the walls. Yesterday, for instance, we had four productions rehearsing simultaneously, a variety of classes and workshops taking place, a French playwright in the building and two British directors in mid-rehearsal – and on top of all that, an American author sent us a brand new musical that he wants us to premiere! When and how did Masquerade begin and develop and by which principles does it continue? Masquerade was created in 1997 by Anthony Bezzina and me. Tony was

well-established on the Maltese theatre scene, as both an actor and a director, and felt that the time was right to launch a company with the highest production values regardless of genre. Masquerade brings together the very best actors, designers, scriptwriters and creative teams. Often these would be complimented with theatre practitioners from overseas. Central to all of Masquerade’s work is integrity and quality: the company values and nurtures the individual. Workshop’s and master classes are often held in order to develop and promote actors eager to gain experience. These core values were important in 1997 and they are still at the centre of everything Masquerade does today. Masquerade is about innovation, constantly moving forward and pushing the boundaries. It is true to say “you are only as good as your last production”.

How would you describe the theatre scene in Malta from when you started up until now? Well, obviously there are far

more performance companies in operation then there were in 1997. Directors and actors are now more adventurous and are prepared to take more risks. Many current theatre practitioners began their careers with Masquerade and we were, and still are,

a springboard for emerging creative enterprise. There are more performance venues. Our home venue, M Space, houses the Blue Box theatre and this is very much in demand by visiting companies. We’ve just hosted a sellout, two-night concert by the group Etnika. The space has received real critical acclaim, has excellent acoustics, brilliant sight lines and an intimacy that is often compared to London’s Donmar Warehouse. In terms of Masquerade’s development, we are thriving. Almost 40 classes in dance, acting and music are running each week – for all age groups –and we currently have four productions in rehearsal. We don’t intend to slow down!

What has been the most memorable performance to date? They are all memorable! We

have 65 productions to our credit and they are all so different. We stage large-cast musicals, pantomime, contemporary plays and classical plays. They are all different and it really is impossible to select just one. Maybe, sometimes, a single performance stands out – perhaps it’s the quality of the writing or the energy of the songs. At other times it’s the play’s subject matter that has such an impact and sometimes it’s knowing the progressive success of an actor. Many of our members join us as small children and remain with us – and now their children are our students!

How will Masquerade Theatre Company be marking its first 18 years? The

celebration is ongoing. When M Space is buzzing – as it is at the moment – and the studios are full, then that in itself is a celebration of both Masquerade and the beautiful new studio/theatre complex that houses it. When a child passes an examination that is also a celebration. When a teenager realises that he or she has a voice and that others want to listen to it, when an established actor receives due critical acclaim – there are so many moments of celebration! After 18 years it is very much business as usual, but it is also a vibrant, exciting and challenging one. We might celebrate again after another 18 years, who knows…..?

To see details of Masquerade’s exciting new season, simply click on www.masquerademalta.com To book tickets for any of Masquerade’s performances, click on www.bluebox.com.mt For information on the wide range of classes offered by Masquerade (and there really is something for everyone – of every age and ability) please call 7979 3737 or 2124 6619.

Anthony Bezzina

Photo by Jonathan Borg

Veronica Bezzina

Photo by Jonathan Borg

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School of Performing Arts Since it opened in 2000, the School of Performing Arts (SOPA) has produced a number of high-quality performances and continues to inspire with its arts education classes and courses. Principal, head of the music studio and soprano, Gillian Zammit tells us more. How would you describe SOPA and what is its motto?

SOPA not only aims to create the performers of the future but also teaches our students how to manage stress and anxiety and helps develop their characters and lose their inhibitions through exploration of the arts. The group classes and performances help them improve their presentation techniques and heighten their communicative abilities. We have students who want to pursue a career in the performing arts and others who are using the classes to enhance their social skills – that will help them in any situation they encounter in daily life. Apart from the high standard of teaching which our experienced tutors have to offer, SOPA has a nurturing and friendly environment that enables each student to achieve their full potential, whatever their capabilities. Students not only attend their weekly classes but also have numerous opportunities throughout the year to perform in master-classes, concerts, musicals and plays.

For which sectors of the arts does SOPA offer courses and for what age groups?

SOPA offers an extremely wide range of disciplines – as its name implies, it is a school for all the performing arts. We have a comprehensive selection of classes to choose from within the three branches of the school, namely the Drama Troupe, The Music Studio and Dance Expressions. Individual acting, musical theatre and commedia dell’arte are just a few of the lessons on offer if your child is interested in drama, and these classes start from the age of three with our Kindi programme and go all the way up to adult classes. If, on the other hand, the child is musically inclined, then we offer one-to-one sessions in voice, piano, drums, violin, guitar and cello, working on styles from pop to classical along with theory classes, music appreciation groups, jamming sessions for our school band, choir and master-classes. The ages vary for individual instrumental or vocal training as this depends on the instrument. Where dance is concerned, any aspiring dancer can choose from ballet to hip hop, contemporary to Spanish, tap, musical theatre and lyrical jazz classes. Ages vary according to the particular dance style and level of difficulty, but the dance programmes generally start from the age of three with our Kindi programme.

Who can sign up for a course?

Anyone can attend SOPA: all that is needed is a love of any form of the performing arts and the enthusiasm and dedication to develop it. There are certain criteria and audition processes for specific courses such as individual voice training, but generally there are no set requirements. The commitment and time that one needs is dependent on the course to be taken and the amount

of improvement each student wishes to see. We have students who just focus on one discipline, such as contemporary dance, and then we have others who take four or five different classes. We also offer a one-to-one service where each student is guided and supported in order for them to find their strengths and understand which discipline of all the ones on offer is best suited to nurture their talent.

Do you have any notable student success stories?

We have had a number of students who have auditioned for and been accepted by schools abroad and have started a career for themselves away from our shores, such as soprano Francesca Aquilina and other established performers who have taken part in several of our productions, such as Cliff Zammit Stevens, Ben Darmanin and Nicola Said. Tenor Nico Darmanin, who has already debuted at The Royal Opera House Covent Garden, was also on our teaching staff before moving to London.

What’s new?

We have some exciting new courses this year at SOPA which include an adult drama class that is open to everyone over the age of 18. This class will work in a series of modules, each of differing lengths, and students are welcome to sign up for the whole term and take part in all the classes, or select the modules in which they are particularly interested. Each module will be taken by a tutor who is an expert in their field and will include such topics as acting technique, physical theatre, audition technique, lighting and set design and genres of theatre from Shakespeare to Stanislavski. We are also offering a lyrical jazz class that will work towards building a team of strong dancers focusing on more advanced syllabus work and complex routines. This class will have a strong jazz/ballet base and is aimed at helping all the young dancers who want to improve their body strength, stamina and technique. We are also launching a new, Glee-style show choir this October called ‘The Shout’. This group is aimed at singers, actors and dancers between the ages of 15 and 25. Participants will receive training in singing and dance to create a varied repertoire of musical theatre and pop numbers with the aim of becoming a regular. Auditions will be held at the end of this month.

What’s next?

We recently felt that it was time for a large-scale performance that would showcase all our students and also highlight some of SOPA’s past successes, current work and future projects, so we put on a show called A Step in Time at Pjazza Teatru Rjal. With vocal, dance and acting numbers from Legally Blonde, The Addams Family, Lloyd Webber’s Requiem, Cats, West Side Story, Les Miserables, Sleeping Beauty and much more, this entertaining show had something for everybody. All our drama groups, Junior and Teen companies featured in this show along with musicians from the music studio and ballet, hip hop and Spanish students from dance expressions. All these elements, working with an 80-strong choir that formed the backbone of the show, came together to produce a really exciting and electrifying performance. I always think it is important to support local talent whether established or up-and-coming. It is something that the students really appreciate and motivates them tremendously. Our next engagement is a performance during the Three Palaces Festival and we have numerous performances lined up for this coming season – so it’s an exciting and busy time.

Photo by Stephen G Photography 51

THE PERFECT BLEND

COSTA COFFEE’s Barista of the Year MARIA ELLUL shares her love of coffee with Veronica Stivala as she takes her through the process of making the perfect cup of coffee. Photography by Michael Camilleri

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Costa Coffee’s Barista of the Year, Maria Ellul

id you know that coffee is the second most traded product after oil? The process behind the creation of the perfect cup of coffee starts from the very soil in which the coffee beans are planted. I meet Maria Ellul, the young and determined coffee lover whose passion for the drink won her first place in the Barista of the Year competition held for Costa Coffee baristas. I meet Maria, an aspiring surgeon, at the snazzy Costa outlet in the departures lounge at Malta International Airport. Even though she is just 19, it is evident that Maria is a perfectionist as she focuses on and guides me through the various processes of making the perfect coffee. I watch, smell, sip and indulge in the engrossing world of coffee. Here are some of the key steps in making the perfect coffee:

Understanding the blend

Costa Coffee has its own unique blend of robusta and arabica coffee beans from which it extracts its coffee. The robusta beans, rounded in shape, give the coffee its body and ‘crema’. The crema is that hazelnut-brown layer that forms on the top of the espresso, giving it a velvet-like shine. This bean has far more caffeine than the arabica and is oval in shape, which provides the aroma and acidity of the coffee. The precise quantities for this signature Mocha Italia blend has remained a closely-guarded secret known to only six people.

Grind and dose of the beans

Every day, the skilled baristas grind the coffee beans and weigh the ground coffee. This process is repeated some six times a day, depending on the demand for coffee, in order to maintain the freshness ready for each order. The process is a rigorous and meticulous one because it is the perfect grind and blend that will deliver the perfect extraction of espresso. »

EVEN THOUGH SHE IS JUST 19, IT IS EVIDENT THAT MARIA IS A PERFECTIONIST AS SHE FOCUSES ON AND GUIDES ME THROUGH THE VARIOUS PROCESSES OF MAKING THE PERFECT COFFEE 53

Delicate extraction of espresso

«Hot water is then run through the coffee for 20 seconds in order to give a yield of two shots of coffee. This is then used to make espresso, which is the core of all Costa’s coffees. The creation of a perfect espresso is an art, and there are ways and means of checking whether yours is a good espresso. Firstly, the lifespan of a good espresso is 15 seconds. This is why many Italians drink their espresso right at the bar. A good espresso has no bubbles in its crema, and if you run a knife through this creamy layer, it will quickly reform. You can also add some brown sugar which should slowly, rather than quickly, sink through the coffee.

The milk

Then comes the steamed, frothed or textured milk: light and fluffy for the cappuccino, smooth and velvety for the flat white and sleek and silky for the latte.

Finishing off with the fleurette or cocoa dusting

Costa coffees are finished off with their signature cocoa dusting in the form of its logo of three coffee beans. An alternative finish is known as the ‘fleurette’ which is a design created by mixing the top milk layer with the underlying coffee. Latte designs include the traditional fleurette as well as more complicated ones such as swans. However, this is highly dependent on the skill and experience of the barista. In the Barista of the Year competition, Maria had to make two espressos, two cappuccinos, two lattes and two flat whites in half-an-hour. She also had to create her own speciality drink. Maria made the ‘Bano Coffee’, which takes its inspiration from the banoffee cake. She will now go on to take part in the next round of the competition – the European Finals – in Barcelona on 19 October. If she wins there, she will go on to compete in the ‘Champions of Champions’ – a competition between the winners from all the different regions in the world where you will find Costa Coffee. And her prize if she comes first in that will be a holiday in any country of her choice where Costa Coffee operates. We wish her the very best of luck! 54

Exclusively distributed by Ta’ Xbiex Perfumery Ltd. Tel: 21331553

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Malta’s versatile film locations

By Jean-Pierre Borg

T

he long list of productions that have been entirely or partially shot in Malta instantly reveals that the Islands offer a range of locations that manage to double for virtually anywhere – ancient or modern – in the Mediterranean, as well as elsewhere. Malta offers locations that range from grand fortified harbours, impressive cliffs, tranquil sheltered bays and quaint old villages to ultra-modern interiors, magnificent Baroque palaces, terraced fields and ancient walled citadels. Over the years, it has doubled for a myriad of locations – including Troy, Italy, France, Alexandria, Palestine, Israel and Warsaw – as well as for different periods of time from the ancient civilisations of Greece, Rome and Egypt to the 1960s. Rick Carter, the Oscar-winning production designer for Munich (2005) said: “Malta has this kind of Mediterranean hodgepodge of culture where we could find areas that look like southern European locations in one spot and areas that look like Israel or Beirut in another”. Indeed, in Munich, Malta was used to stand in for no fewer than seven cities, including Tel Aviv, Beirut, Athens and Rome. While the financial incentives granted by the Maltese government, the tanks at Rinella and various other factors are all extremely important when it comes to choosing Malta as a filming location, the viability of our locations and their sustainable use should not be underestimated or disregarded. Although Malta has been increasingly selected as a location to stand in for other parts of the Mediterranean, it is possibly Malta’s viability as a middle-eastern lookalike that attracts most attention. Among the productions for which Malta took on the role of middle-eastern locales, one finds Risen (2016), The Dovekeepers (2015), The Eichmann Show (2015), The Cut (2014) and World War Z (2013). Not only are the streets of Malta a perfect match for those one would expect to find in the Middle East, but also our Mediterranean olive-skinned appearance lends itself to setting up a quasi-similar replica of a generic MiddleEastern atmosphere. We do lack a desert, of course, but nonetheless desert scenes have also been successfully recreated, thanks to the use of the ever more sophisticated tricks offered by Computer Generated Imagery (CGI). In The Dovekeepers (2015), the mountain-top Jewish city of Masada was convincingly recreated by using scenes shot on a set built in a local hard-stone quarry and cleverly edited together with scenes shot inside Fort Ricasoli merged with a number of aerial shots taken by a splinter unit in Israel and Jordan. Along with Malta’s suitability for standing in for Middle-Eastern regions, it must also be acknowledged that the surge in these productions is also in part due to the continuous unrest plaguing the region. Malta offers not only a safe place for filming but also provides a safe environment where the cast and crew can relax in their free time. Countless times, our imposing fortifications have lent themselves for impressive climactic scenes: epics such

THE FILM INDUSTRY ALSO HAS ITS SHARE OF RESPONSIBILITY VIS-À-VIS MALTA’S CULTURAL, ARCHITECTURAL AND NATURAL HERITAGE. IT CANNOT BE STRESSED ENOUGH THAT WHEN FILMING IS TAKING PLACE, IT MUST BE CARRIED OUT WITH THE UTMOST RESPECT FOR BOTH OUR HISTORICAL AND OUR ENVIRONMENTAL TREASURES. as Gladiator (2000), Agora (2009) and Game of Thrones (2011) – where the imposing fortifications serve as the backdrop for many scenes. Equally memorable, however, are the scenes shot in opulent palaces. The Grandmaster’s Palace in Valletta played itself in Malta Story (1954) but it also doubled for a Baroque Roman palace in The Count of Monte Cristo (2002), the Vatican in Revelation (2001) and also a generic palace in the science-fiction/fantasy film Iron Warrior (1987). Other grand interiors that have lent themselves for film countless times include those of Palazzo Parisio in Naxxar, Villa Bologna in Attard and the National Library and Admiralty House in Valletta. Having listed the above, however, it must not be assumed that we have an over-abundance of locations. Over the past decade alone the ever-changing landscape of the Maltese Islands has already resulted in a number of locations being made unsuitable for the shooting of scenes often needed for the epic genre. On two different occasions, the whole stretch of Bakery

Wharf in Vittoriosa was convincingly converted into a film set. It stood in for Port Royal, Jamaica in Cutthroat Island (1995) and later on as the port of Marseilles in The Count of Monte Cristo (2002). With the building of the yacht marina along the whole length of the quay, such epic scenes are now unthinkable – reducing the wharf as suitable only for scenes requiring a contemporary setting. Of course, no one can stop or even delay the development of the amenities expected in this day and age, but still, an appreciation of the basic needs of the film industry should always be borne in mind when new projects are being developed. CGI can perform many tricks, but it does have its limits! The recent restoration of Upper Fort St Elmo, praised by many for rejuvenating the space, was probably another blow to the film industry. The previously popular film location – valued for its ambience, texture and aged-look – now not only looks like new, with its restored stone work, but is also riddled with countless modern items such as light fixtures and handrails – too many to be digitally erased if the fort was used for a historical film. It is with this in mind that models of restoration where embellishment follows modern conservation techniques while retaining the character and feel of the space in question is advocated. It is also with this in mind that it is to be hoped that an eventual restoration of the lower part of Fort St Elmo is carried out with urgency while preserving its unique atmosphere. It is this atmosphere that made it one of the most iconic landmarks in films such as Midnight Express (1978), Cutthroat Island (1995) and, most recently, World War Z (2013). The film industry also has its share of responsibility vis-à-vis Malta’s cultural, architectural and natural heritage. It cannot be stressed enough that when filming is taking place, it must be carried out with the utmost respect for both our historical and our environmental treasures. Without going into specific incidents, it should be pointed out that, nowadays, a specialised unit within the Malta Environment and Planning Authority takes every filming activity very seriously and imposes very strict conditions on what is permissible and what mitigating factors should be applied. This, coupled with frequent monitoring during the building of sets, shooting and the eventual striking of sets, has ensured the prevalence of good practice. In conclusion, although Malta can boast such famous locations as the Azure Window in Gozo, the Blue Lagoon in Comino, Fort St Elmo in Valletta and the fortified city of Mdina, it still retains a mysterious, timeless quality that makes the Maltese landscape an enticing canvas for the film-maker to practice his art. For several years, Jean Pierre Borg has been researching the films that have been fully or partly shot in Malta. For more information, curiosities and trivia about the Maltese film industry, he can be contacted on 7971 0271, by email to jeanpierreborg@filmedinmalta.com or by visiting the Filmed in Malta Facebook page.

Photos on opposite page from the top (left to right): Midnight Express (1978), Cutthroat Island (1995), Malta Story (1953), Agora (2009), Munich (2005), The Count of Monte Cristo (2002), Munich (2005), Tempelriddernes skat III (2008) 57

YOU ARE STILL ONLY 40 BUT YOU HAVE ALREADY CONTRIBUTED TO THE WELLBEING OF YOUR FAMILY AND THEREFORE TO SOCIETY AT LARGE. THIS IS MORE THAN ENOUGH FOR YOU TO NOT ONLY FEEL GOOD ABOUT YOURSELF BUT ALSO TO FEEL PROUD. THIS EXPERIENCE HAS GIVEN YOU A GREATER KNOWLEDGE OF LIFE AND YOU ARE NOW READY TO MOVE TO THE NEXT STAGE.

D

ear Reader, First of all I would like to send you belated birthday wishes. Before reading on, I invite you to make yourself a cup of coffee, go to your favourite peaceful spot, sit down and make yourself comfortable. Take a couple of deep breaths and now carry on… For the time being, focus on what you have at present. You are a healthy wife, loved and respected by your husband. Out of this love, you created two daughters who are on track to reaching their own objectives. Without you, this would never have happened. Picture yourself in this light and value your presence. For all these years you have denied yourself,

DEALING WITH A DILEMMA

Now it is time for you to start letting the children go – which includes encouraging them to become more independent. Yes, you are a wife and a mother, but you are also a woman with your own personal dreams and aspirations. It is time to refocus, to share some of your load and to start dedicating time to what is truly important to you as an individual. Presumably your daughters are now teenagers and therefore capable of assuming increased responsibility. Plan and redistribute household chores in order to free up more time for yourself. Identify specific times to pursue your own interests, and let the other members of the family know so they don’t disturb you unless it is strictly necessary. From what I gather, over these years you seem to have become totally absorbed by the family, largely avoiding everything else. Getting in touch with long-lost friends is nowadays easier, thanks to the social media. Take the initiative to meet up in person every now and again to catch up over coffee. Listen to what they have to say, to how they have dealt with their own challenges. Identify the direction you would like your life to take from now on. Maybe you want to get a particular job or would like to pursue further studies. You may wish to resume enjoying a hobby that became a victim to other pressing priorities. Whichever direction you choose, make it clear to your family and ensure you get practical support. You are a team. Once you get to this point, take the necessary steps to make it happen. Whether it involves preparing a CV and applying for a job or enrolling for some course, take the plunge and just do it. The chances are that if you dwell on the idea for very long, you’ll miss the boat and give up. You are still only 40 but you have already contributed to the well-being of your family and therefore to society at large. This is more than enough for you to not only feel good about yourself but also to feel proud. This experience has given you a greater knowledge of life and you are now ready to move to the next stage. In this phase of your life you need to take the driving seat. You are now empowered to change gear and head towards new and exciting times. You are now ready and prepared to deal with your needs: no doubts, no guilt. Ultimately, your family also want a happy and satisfied you and this can only come about if you take the time to recharge your batteries and live up to your personal aspirations. Best of luck!

Dear Claire

This month I celebrated my 40th birthday, and I spent a morning getting pampered and unwinding at a spa. I had the opportunity to be alone, to reminisce and to reflect about my life so far. However, by the evening, instead of feeling revitalised and good with myself, I felt completely demoralised. It dawned on me that, apart from my family, I have achieved nothing in life. I have neither a job nor friends. My world consists of my husband, who has a successful career, and my two daughters – both of whom are also high achievers. And then there’s me. At my age, how can I feel good about myself again?

NOW IT IS TIME FOR YOU TO START LETTING THE CHILDREN GO – WHICH INCLUDES ENCOURAGING THEM TO BECOME MORE INDEPENDENT.

shelving your needs and desires, working tirelessly behind the scenes. Every day you had to use your time according to whatever your family required. You were a source of round-the-clock selfless love and support. You have been the backbone of your family, making their lives easier in every way; postponing your own dreams to give those you love greater opportunities. You certainly deserve recognition for that. Yet, in a way, you also share in their successes because you were there all the way, spurring them on when they needed encouragement and consoling them when things did not go according to plan.

Claire Bugelli Bounce Life Coaching Tel: 7957 9813 claire@bounce-life-coaching.com www.bounce-life-coaching.com Facebook: Bounce Life Coaching Malta 59

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SEVEN – 007 The new premium male fragrance 007 Fragrances have just launched Seven – the next instalment in the collection of male scents inspired by the world of James Bond. Seven draws inspiration from powerful elements within the world of 007 that continually captivates Bond fans. Seven is the new premium addition to the 007 fragrances range – with carefully selected ingredients and a bold, sleek appearance. Presented in black, the flacon’s sharp-edged profile offers an additional diagonal contour to create the shape of the number seven, giving the bottle a multifaceted dimension akin to the juice inside. The top notes of this scent have a striking citrus quality, led by sweet tangerine and followed by sharp bergamot and crisp apple. For local trade enquiries please call VJ Salomone Marketing tel. 80072387.

Paco Robanne – Invictus The scent of victory This sensually fresh scent sets a modern vision of virility. Invictus is an unexpected clash of worlds, powers, sensations and values – a thrill of pure freshness in the top note faces the sensuality of the guaiac wood in the base note. Invictus, the essence of the Champion. The perfume of victory. Exclusively distributed by Ta’ Xbiex Perfumery Limited, tel. 21331553.

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OLYMPÉA: A GENUINE PACO RABANNE SIGNATURE

Terribly feminine, she has a unique, irreverent sensuality to which nothing and no one can resist. This modern Cleopatra is the queen of queens, the woman of all victories, the absolute icon. She is a goddess, but above all a woman – a divine woman. She did not have to choose between her beauty and her intelligence – victorious and imperial she chooses her hero, the Champion Invictus.

THE SCENT

Olympéa is a unique olfactory adventure, at the crossroads between the sensuality of a salty vanilla accord and the freshness of floral notes - a fresh oriental in which green mandarin awakens the senses, boosted by the floral and aquatic essences of ginger lily and hydroponic jasmine. Tempting and bold, the sensual and luminous salty vanilla accord brings addictive magnetism, amplified by sandalwood and an ambergris accord. Its powerful scent and the unique balance of the accords form a genuine Paco Rabanne signature.

THE BOTTLE

Olympéa features a bold combination of antique codes with ultracontemporary aesthetic. Classic references and Art Deco come together with balance and boldness. This time, the design is not directly inspired by the distortion of an object but features strong symbolism - a perfect circle, similar to the sacred talismans and divine attributes, set on a pink gold metal crown. From the front, this ring evokes the laurels of victory, and from the side this signature brings to mind the wings of ancient Greek statues, such as of Niké – a Greek goddess personifying victory, of all conquests. Like a jewel, the stopper is removed to discover the fragrance, emphasising the bottle's preciousness.

competition Answer the following question to WIN A BOTTLE OF OLYMPÉA BY PACO ROBANNE FROM TA’XBIEX PERFUMERY BY ANSWERING THE FOLLOWING QUESTION: THE WINGS ON THE SIDE OF THE BOTTLE ARE REMINISCENT OF WHICH ANCIENT GREEK GODDESS? Send your answers including your full name and contact details by the 25th of September to: FIRST magazine Perfume Competition, The Malta Independent, Standard House, B’Kara Hill, St Julian’s. Good luck!

Winners from the August issue:

Anna Galea from Ghaxaq: Polaar High Protection Sun Oil SPF30 from Ta X’biex Perfumery; and Victor Fenech from St Paul’s Bay: A bottle of Nero d’Avola Feudo Principi di Butera from Charles Grech & Co. Ltd. CONGRATULATIONS!

SCHLUMBERGER WINES – ALSACE, FRANCE Domaines Schlumberger only harvests grapes from their own vineyards and are entirely dedicated to quality, which is achieved through deliberately producing very restricted yields per hectare. Established in 1810 by Nicolas Schlumberger - 140 hectares is currently run by the 6th generation. 70 hectares are classified as Grands Cru (high quality) and are composed of 4 vineyards: Kitterlé, Kessler, Saering, Spiegel. Situated on the steep hillsides of the Vosges, the vineyard benefits from the best exposures (southwest, south, southeast); its slopes can reach 50°. The planting and judicious choice of grape varieties, pruning the vines, constantly surveying the grapes as they ripen, and the precious care that they are given enable a strict selection to be made during harvesting. Each plot, or even each bunch of grapes, are only picked if they completely ripe.

Competition Answer the following question for a chance to

WIN A BOTTLE OF GEWURZTRAMINER ‘LES PRINCES ABBES’:

How many Grand Cru vineyards does Domaines Schlumberger have and what are their names? Send your answer, including your name, contact number, email and postal address, by the 24th of August to Charles Grech First Competition, Standard House, Standard Publications Ltd, B’kara Hill, St Julian’s.

Exclusively imported by Charles Grech & Co. Ltd, Valley Road, B’Kara T: 2144 4400 61

pedal power

Not everyone is up for a challenge, especially one which requires new levels of physical exertion. Auditor Hilary Galea Lauri has decided to do just that and cycle 1,600km to raise €10,000 for charity. We caught up with him before he left Malta for Land’s End and his ride up to John o’ Groats. What does it take to endure such a journey, and what training have you put in to manage it? A challenge of this sort is

primarily one which requires a great deal of mental preparation. The physical side of it is very demanding, of course, but that really is a given. After all, this is an endurance event – that is, a feat that goes beyond what the body normally has to cope with as a result of the physical exertion.

Have you taken any special precautions and are there any dangers to be wary of?

Any outdoor activity carries its own risk. Clearly, the weather conditions in the UK are unpredictable (at times, unprecedented) and no amount of training outside the UK (certainly not in Malta) can prepare you for such elements as constant headwinds while cycling over hilly terrain. And some risks can be dangerous. Road cycling (as is this event) requires alertness to traffic (and its perils) and entails a huge responsibility.

Are you motivated from first-hand experience to raise money for charities or specifically Inspire? I am a firm believer

in a higher purpose than the job in hand. What better combination is there than to combine my passion for all sorts of sport (particularly athletics and altitude trekking) with helping others who need that extra help (which we all need to some degree)? And, yes, I can vouch for Inspire’s hard work from experience.

What fund-raising have you been involved with in the past and do you intend to continue after this? Back in 2007, I was part of a Maltese contingent in a fundraising activity for charity which saw me climb Mount Kilimanjaro (the highest free-standing mountain in the world). Only this year – on my 50th birthday – I organised an event and asked those attending who wished to give me a gift to instead

THIS IS NO ORDINARY CHALLENGE. I'M EXCITED THOUGH NOT WITHOUT FEAR. THE WHOLE EVENT IS ONE HUGE CHALLENGE. 62

make a monetary donation to Inspire, raising some €2,000. Those were my more significant contributions to raise money for charity, apart from the one underway, by which I am aiming to raise €10,000.

What are your feelings about what lies ahead of you? This is no

ordinary challenge. I’m excited, though not without fear. The whole event is one huge challenge but every day will be a challenge on its own – other people have to face much bigger challenges than I will ever experience. Some of them are the very people supported by Inspire Foundation.

How can we help and why? You can help

me help Inspire by donating whatever you can afford. Collectively, we will make a difference!

Hilary’s cycle expedition began on the 1st of September at Land’s End, on the extreme south-westerly tip of England. He pedaled his way through Cornwall, over Dartmoor and north along the Welsh border, skirting the Lake District into Scotland, via lochs and the Highlands to the north coast and John o’Groats (the most northerly point of mainland Scotland). You can find out more about the challenge via his Facebook page and Inspire’s website inspire.org.mt. Donations can be made via www.inspire.org.mt or by sending an SMS with Hilary in the text to 50618926 (€6.99) or 50619215 (€11.65)

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