‘A Diary of Obsessions’
Main Hall, St James Cavalier, Valletta
Opening on 31 October
Tolstoy once said “Art is a human activity consisting in this, that one man consciously, by means of certain external signs, hands on to others feelings he has lived through, and that other people are infected by these feelings and also experience them”. This credo provides the basis for the current collection through which we travel through John Busuttil Leaver’s obsessive art note books in the form of finalised works. The real theme here is the artist’s point of view on his surroundings through time. He is exhibiting 22 works planned and painted over a period ranging from 3 to 10 years. Some of these inhabited the studio in various forms never quite “finished”, hence the “obsessions”. This ceaseless dialogue with the artwork has produced some interesting techniques such as layering of canvases, multiple canvases and sculptural 3-dimensional effects, as well as “soft” frameless paintings.
The event is Leaver’s 10th solo exhibition (since 1986) and his first at the St James Arts Centre. This exhibition is curated by Louis Lagana, and sponsored by Marsovin and Bank of Valletta.
The BPC Collection
Until 11 October
At The Gallery in Spartans Street Hamrun, adjacent to the agency’s building one can view “the BPC Collection – a representative selection of Maltese art.” The collection of 22 works by prominent and lesser known artists is part of BPC’s 50th Anniversary celebration. Open on weekdays between 3.30pm and 7pm and Saturdays between 9.30am and 1pm. Entrance is free of charge.
THEATRE
‘Ippermettili Nitlaq’
3, 4, 5, 10, 11 and 12 October at St James Cavalier at 8pm
The latest controversial play by Alfred Buttigieg. After resorting to fertility treatment, Richard and Fiona have a baby, Graziella. She however suffers from an appalling condition and will die if she doesn’t undergo several operations. The paediatric surgeon, Dr Alberta Borg, is eager to operate but her motives remain veiled. The catch is that even if the operations are 100 per cent successful, Graziella will have to live in a wheelchair, require round-the-clock care and die at a young age. Ippermettili Nitlaq takes a long hard look at the behaviour of the medical profession on a small island, which, the playwright assures us, bears no resemblance to Malta. Do doctors always give you all the information? Are couples who put their faith (and great sums of money) in fertility treatments warned that their child has a higher risk of being disabled?
Immanuel Mifsud directs the play and taking part are Angèle Galea, Joe Cortis, Stefan Cachia Zammit, Liliana Portelli, Malcolm Galea, Monica Attard, Mikhail Basmadjian and Sharon Bezzina.
‘Il-Manifest Tal-Killer’
MITP, Valletta
4, 5, 11, 12 October
Lemonhead Theatre presents a rendition of Karl Schembri’s novel – as adapted by Bryan Muscat. Shows start at 8.30pm. The cast includes Chrysander Agius and Daniel Chircop (of Zoo fame), Bryan Muscat, Neville Refalo and Sandro Vella. Bookings: 7947-8726. www.lemonhead.com.mt
‘Enfer ou Ciel’ (‘Genna jew Infern’)
4 and 5 October at the Music Room, St James Cavalier, Ticket e7
A Theatrencore Production written and directed by Karmenu Serracino. ‘Enfer ou Ciel – Genna jew Infern’ is an original play in Maltese, which pays tribute to the life and art of Henri Cartier-Bresson, “father of photojournalism”, on the centenary of his birth. Focusing on Cartier-Bresson’s turbulent early years in glitzy Paris and his near-fatal sojourn in tropical Africa, the play is also a parable of man’s readiness to go to extremities on a voyage of self-discovery.
‘More Fourplay’
MADC
They’re back! They’re better! They’re outrageous! By general request and audience cries for “More”, the MADC’s theatre season will kick off with “More Fourplay” – a collection of hilarious sketches ranging from musical comedy, to satire, to in-your-face slapstick – a formula that’s guaranteed to give everyone a fun night out at the theatre! The plays and musical numbers will be played at break-neck speed by just four actors. MADC has roped in four of the island’s leading comics to pull off this festival of laughs – Alan Montanaro, Isabel Warrington, Louiselle Vassallo and newcomer to the troupe Alan Paris. The sketches have been devised by Alan Montanaro, James Calvert, Nanette Brimmer and Malcolm Galea with a couple of British comedy classics thrown in for good measure. This uproarious show is being directed by Herman Grech, Denise Mulholland, Wesley Ellul and James Borg. “More Fourplay” is produced by Alan Montanaro. For booking details check out www.madc.biz.
‘Blasted’
St James Cavalier on 31 October, 1, 2, 7, 8, 9 November 08
Director: Dave Barton , Cast: Bryan Jennings, Andrew Galea, Jo Caruana
Hailed by critics as a masterpiece and vilified by the Daily Mail as a “disgusting piece of filth”, Blasted is Sarah Kane’s first play. A night in a luxury hotel in Leeds for Cate and Ian gets transformed into hell with an attempted rape and the entrance of a soldier. Unifaun Theatre assure everyone that this will be the single most talked about production for at least a decade. Director Dave Barton is the maverick artistic director and co-founder of Californian Theatre Company Rude Guerrilla.
MUSIC
The Friday Evening Concert Series
Chamber music at Sagrestia Vault, Valletta Waterfront
Barocco Cultural Events is organising this wonderful concert series which aims at promoting local Maltese talent and providing classical music enthusiasts with an opportunity to enjoy and listen to a variety of musicians and artists.
Sagrestia Vault is a unique 300-year old vault which has been renovated and transformed into a concert hall. Its location, the Valletta Waterfront provides an excellent backdrop to this cultural enterprise, convenient for the audience who can dine out or stroll along this magnificent promenade. It has become a tradition to offer some wine and some finger-food right after the concert, either on the promenade or in the hall itself, depending on the weather. It is an occasion for the audience to socialise and to meet the performers and the organiser. Barocco Cultural Events is offering the audience the possibility of buying a block ticket for 5 concerts at the price of 4 tickets. For more details contact them on 7968-0952 or email: [email protected].
Bach and Beyond
Friday 3 October at 8pm
The one-hour concert inaugurates a new concert piano at the concert hall. Starting off with the work of Bach to more modern piano works to demonstrate the evolution of piano composition and technique. Performers: Ramona Zammit Formosa – piano, Silvio Zammit – flute and a Chamber orchestra under the baton of Mro. Hermann Farrugia Frantz
Puccini: His life and his music
Friday 10 October at 8pm
Listen to Puccini’s well-loved and famous arias from his most famous operas by Malta’s best voices Marita Bezzina (soprano) and Joseph Aquilina (tenor). You will hear the solo arias and duets from Puccini’s best-loved operas: Tosca, Turandot, Madame Butterfly, Gianni Schicci and La Boheme. Performers: Marita Bezzina – soprano, Joseph Aquilina – tenor, accompanied on piano by Ramona Zammit Formosa.
Highlights of the Operetta
Friday 24 October at 8pm
A one-hour concert of popular songs from some well-loved operettas... there will be selected songs from La Vedova Allegra, Il Paese dei Campanelli, La Principessa della Czarda, Il Paese del Sorriso, Salome and other popular operettas.
Performers: Marita Bezzina – soprano, Joseph Aquilina – tenor, accompanied on piano by Ramona Zammit Formosa.
VOICES – Tell Me Why
By The Voices Foundation
Mediterranean Conference Centre, Valletta
Wednesday 1 October – Saturday 4 October from 7.30pm – 11pm;
Sunday 5 October from 4pm – 6.30pm; Thursday 9 October – Monday 13 October from 7.30pm – 11pm.
Ticket prices: Dress Circle at e21, Stalls at e 18, Balcony at e 15 from the MCC booking office. For reservations phone on 2559-5750/1 or email [email protected].
Autokat + The Areola Treat + Airport Impressions
3 October, Sky Club, Paceville
Autokat, whose debut album (Late Night Shopping) got staggering reviews on practically all the important UK music magazines including NME and Uncut will be playing alongside The Areola Treat and Airport Impressions.
Their latest single, Innocence was BBC’s single of the week and only recently Mike Joyce from The Smiths (amongst others) has joined forces with the band. Tickets are available from Muddy Waters, Juuls, Coconut Groove and Anthony D’Amato. More info at www.hairyamp.com
Purely Pop!
Tuesday 7 October at Hard Rock Café, Bay Street, St Julian’s at 8.30pm
The Purely Pop Album 2008 – a showcase of original recording artists from all areas of popular music is being launched on the night. Promoted by singer/songwriter Maddee (Madeleine Dargue) of Music Street Productions and Elton Zarb of Free Time Studios. Featuring original material in a diversity of styles – R&B, Dance Ambient, Ethnic, Rock, Euro, Acoustic, Alternative, Indie, Kitsch and Electro – by up-and-coming and established artists.
The show will be presented by TV personality/ singer/songwriter Lynn Faure, who will also perform some of her original material.
Artists appearing will be Thea Saliba, Amelia, Corrine, Carlo, Solar, Patryce, Floren, Char, Velvet Rain, Kyra and Ivy with a guest appearance by Jewls Verse.
For more information visit: www.myspace.com/musicstreetproductions.
Bookings for St James Cavalier on [email protected] or by Tel. 2122-3200.
This information is correct at the time of printing.
[email protected]