Teatru Manoel has appointed Adrian Mamo as its new Artistic Director.
Mr Mamo will channel his decades of experience working in the local theatre industry into his new role at the national theatre, which he officially takes up as of 3 April.
"It is a huge honour for me to be joining one of Malta's oldest and most important institutions, linked to a rich tradition of theatre, performance and music. I've considered Teatru Manoel as my second home from a very young age, as my aunt and uncle were part of the theatre community," says Mr Mamo. "Teatru Manoel has strong roots in a large community of local artists, artisans and theatre-makers, who I am looking forward to bringing together and collaborating with on a good programme of theatre, music and dance productions, among other opportunities for dialogue.
"People want to see people. The theatre is a place where stories are told, views exchanged, and new worlds opened up. I hope to maintain the high standards that the national theatre deserves and make it a priority to welcome all communities, as well as the multifaceted stories they bring."
An architect by profession, Adrian Mamo graduated in architecture and civil engineering from the University of Malta and worked as an architect at the Antiquities Section of the Works Department, before co-founding an architectural design office, ARCHITECTS STUDIO. He has designed theatre sets for more than 50 productions with many local theatre companies, and was a co-founder and producer of Voices - one of Malta's largest music events, held every two years between 1991 and 2016. He was Chairman of the Malta Council for Culture and the Arts from 2006 to 2013, lectures in Theatre Set Design at the University of Malta, and currently occupies the role of President of the Malta Society of Arts.
"On behalf of the Manoel Theatre Management Committee, I would like to say how delighted we are that Adrian Mamo will be joining the Manoel team as Artistic Director," says Teatru Manoel Chairman, Michael Grech. "His wealth of experience and impressive repertory will ensure the theatre is best placed to continue its work and remain a key player in the national creative industries in the years to come. Having worked on several productions here, he has a strong understanding of Teatru Manoel and we are confident that he will be a great fit. We are very much looking forward to having him lead the artistic element of the theatre in the coming years."
While continuing the national theatre's commitment to serve Malta's artistic community and audiences, the new appointment joins other recent successes at Teatru Manoel, including the ongoing extensive renovation programme and the hugely successful production of Tosca with the Valletta Cultural Agency. "I wish to thank all the staff at the Manoel who are tight-knit, loyal and dedicated, without whom the theatre would not have been able to achieve these recent highlights and milestones," adds Dr Grech.
More information about Teatru Manoel is available at www.teatrumanoel.mt.