Parliamentary Secretary for Culture and Local Councils Jose Herrera announced that the official handover process of Pjazza Teatru Rjal (open theatre) from the Grand Harbour Regeneration Corporation plc (GHRC) to the ministry responsible, has started.

Dr Herrera said that the government’s main objective is to generate jobs through culture.

During a visit to the open theatre, where he was updated with the works conducted, he explained why the theatre was being referred to as Pjazza Teatru Rjal.

He said that the government wanted to stick to the historical aspect of this site while also keeping in mind the open space. 

The theatre will host 900 seats and can accommodate up to around 1,500 people (standing) in the event the activity is a standing one.

He emphasised that next month, a number of cultural activities are being organised by the Malta Arts Festival and in a few weeks’ time the inauguration date of the theatre would be announced.

He highlighted that his secretariat was working to create a synergy between the activities being organised and historical dates which the country is set to experience, including the V18.

Malta Arts Festival artistic director Mario Frendo said that the theatre will play host to a number of top international artistes during the festival, set to kick off on Sunday 30 June.