In a narrow street to the west of the Baroque city of Valletta stands one of the oldest theatres in Europe. It is certainly the oldest theatre in the Commonwealth. To this day, it is still, and will continue to be, a living, working theatre. Teatru Manoel was built in 1731, in just one calendar year, by the Portuguese Grand Master Antonio Manoel de Vilhena. De Vilhena was so personally involved in its conception and construction that it was paid for out of his own pocket.
Embellished over the centuries, this theatre is a true architectural gem. Today, the theatre is one of Malta’s foremost performing spaces, offering a wide range of productions including opera, ballet, contemporary dance, music, children’s performances and drama. Teatru Manoel’s visitors can enjoy the best of local talent and exciting foreign productions, take the guided tour to get a glimpse of the theatre’s history, visit the shop and enjoy a glass of wine in our courtyard. The theatre aspires to be accessible to all and offer unique and vibrant theatrical experiences.
Posts Tagged: notte bianca valletta
9
Nov 07
Manoel Theatre
27
Sep 07
Birgu by Candlelight
The fourth edition of Birgu By Candlelight.
Festival – 12th October 2007
Among its innovative aspects is the World War II theme that is running through the entertainment around the event. Artistic and cultural activities, including the three-hour show on a stage in the main square, are being linked to the subject, featuring post- and pre-war tunes, dance and projectionsVittoriosa, which has already benefitted from a facelift over the years, takes on magical charm when the lights are out and the narrow, winding streets are illuminated by flickering candles.
Short music, theatre and dance performances will be held on the streets, offering an element of surprise, while visitors can also experience a discovery tour around the town.
A ghost tour, as well as tours of Vittoriosa and its military fortifications are being organised.
The event which is firmly anchored in the country’s cultural calendar, and is being held from 7 p.m. till midnight, also includese historical re-enactments.
Birgu, also known as Vittoriosa is one of the so called 3 cities, together with Senglea and Cospicua. Being so close to the natural Grand Harbour it was often considered a maritime town even by the Knights of St. John way back in the 16 th Century. Birgu was in fact the first place where the Knights settled when they arrived in Malta in 1535.
9
Sep 07
Notte Bianca (Valletta-Malta) – An all night celebration of arts and culture in Valletta
The second edition of Notte Bianca — Lejl Imdawwal, is to be held on the October 06, with an ambitious programme of art, music, drama, photography, re-enactments, food and drink.
In this year’s edition of the Notte Bianca, the general public will be able to visit the National Museum of Arts, the armoury, the State Rooms in the Palace, the Auberge of Castille, St. John Cathedral amongst other places.
Guided tours for children will also be organised, as well as tours of palaces and auberges.
Launching the event, Minister for Tourism and Culture Francis Zammit Dimech said that following the large crowds which attended the event last year, the Ministry aims on improving the turnout of this year’s Notte Bianca.
“This year’s programme is more ambitious and is spread over a larger area, between Victoria Gate and Castille square.”