THEATRE
Someone Who’ll Watch
Over Me
3-5 February at St James Cavalier, Valletta
In April 1986, Brian Keenan was abducted on his way to work at the American University of Beirut. This was the start of an adventure which would see Keenan a hostage for four and a half years – with only a radio and two other hostages for company. The MADC presents this award-winning production of a play by Frank McGuinness. Directed by Herman Grech; with Stefan Cachia Zammit, Manwel Cauchi and Alan Paris.
Whose life is it anyway?
3-5 February at the Manoel Theatre, Valletta
Whose Life is it anyway? places the individual at the centre of one of the most complex medical and moral issues of our times – do we have the right to choose how we want to live and when we want to die? Samantha Brown plays the leading role and is joined by Kevin Drake, Nanette Brimmer, Simon Demarco, Vanessa Macdonald, Godwin Scerri, Hollie Cassar and Steve Hili. Produced by Masquerade.
It-Traditur
10-12 February at the Manoel Theatre, Valletta
An original Maltese play written and directed by Salvu Mallia. Produced by Maleth.
The Second Coming of Joan
of Arc
10-12, 18-20 February at St James Cavalier, Valletta
In The Second Coming of Joan of Arc, Joan returns to share her story with a contemporary audience. She tells her experiences with the highest levels of church, state, and military, and unmasks the brutal misogyny behind male institutions. By Carolyn Gage; directed by Michael Fenech. With Leigh-Anne Abela.
Wilde at Heart
17-18 February at the Manoel Theatre, Valletta
De Musset and Co presents Wilde at Heart with Patrick Marley and Genevieve Allenbury, based on the wild and turbulent life of Oscar Wilde.
CINEMA
Eighth European Film Festival
1-17 February at the Eden Century cinemas, St Julian’s and the Citadel Theatre, Victoria, Gozo
A variety of films from 17 member states – 15 films will be presented at the Eden Century cinemas, St Julian's and two at the Citadel Theatre, Victoria, Gozo. Proceeds in aid of Dar Tal-Providenza. Organised by the European Commission Representation in Malta in collaboration with the Embassies of the EU member states.
My House in Umbria
1-2 February at St James Cavalier, Valletta
An unlikely group of people find solace and friendship, after being thrown together in the wake of a terrorist attack.
Triple Agent
1-2 February at St James Cavalier, Valletta
French director Rohmer gives a master lesson in politics, history, human behaviour, love and intelligence, based on true facts not fully explained even to this day.
In your Hands
3-23 February at
St James Cavalier, Valletta
The recent theology graduate Anna is offered a substitute job as a priest in a prison. In the women’s ward, she meets Kate, a woman who, according to some of the other inmates, possesses supernatural abilities.
Pride and Prejudice
10-13, 17-19 February at St James Cavalier, Valletta
The surprisingly still-relevant story follows the five Bennet sisters as they deal with suitors and love, as their mother desperately schemes to marry them off advantageously.
Black Narcissus
11 February at Erin Serracino Inglott Hall (LT1), University of Malta, Tal-Qroqq, Msida
A powerful work of emotion and sensuality, Black Narcissus explores the lives of five nuns in a convent school in the Himalayas, as they are torn between their human passions and desires and their spiritual calling. The cast – particularly Deborah Kerr in what could be the best role of her career – deliver unforgettable performances, but the real star of the show is Jack Cardiff’s Academy Award-winning cinematography. A showcase for the incredible possibilities of Technicolor, this is visually one of the richest movies ever filmed, with a remarkably expressive use of colour that elevates the story to a different level.
Red Lights
14-16, 20-21 February at St James Cavalier, Valletta
Kahn’s adaptation of Georges Simenon’s tale of marital strife confirms that he’s one of the best French directors at work today.
Manuale d’Amore
16 February at the Italian Cultural Institute, Piazza San Giorgio, Valletta
By Giovanni Veronesi, with Carlo Verdone and Margherita Buy.
Day for Night
18 February at Erin Serracino Inglott Hall (LT1), University of Malta, Tal-Qroqq, Msida
Winner of the Best Foreign Language Film Academy Award in 1975, and nominated for three other oscars, including Best Director and Best Original Screenplay, Day for Night is a classic – a love song to cinema itself that no film buff can afford to miss. It also happens to be one of the greatest films by Francois Truffaut, without a doubt one of the greatest figures in European cinema. The story follows Truffaut, effectively playing himself, as he films a romantic movie called Meet Pamela, but the real point of the film is its affectionate, witty depiction of the chaotic joy of film-making and the lives of those in front of and behind the camera.
Love me if you dare
22-28 February at St James Cavalier, Valletta
Childhood mischief escalates, in this bustling psycho-thriller.
Sedotta e Abbandonata
23 February at the Italian Cultural Institute, Piazza San Giorgio, Valletta
By Pietro Germi; with Stefania Sandrelli.
On a Clear Day
24-28 February at St James Cavalier, Valletta
A redundant shipyard worker whose macho pride has been dented by job loss and panic attacks, becomes a hero when he resolves to swim the Channel.
MUSIC
Chamber music concerts at St Catherine’s of Italy Church
2, 5, 9, 12, 16, 19, 23 February at St Catherine of Italy Church, Valletta
Concerts organised in collaboration with the Valletta Rehabilitation Project and the Manoel Theatre to raise funds for the restoration of this church. The collaboration with the Manoel Theatre, through the temporary loan of the harpsichord, has made possible a wider range of repertoire, specifically from the baroque and early classical period. For more info contact St James Cavalier, Valletta.
A Musical Encounter with child prodigy Masha Diatchenko
4 February at the Tchaikovsky Hall, Russian Cultural Centre, Merchants Street, Valletta
10-year-old Masha Diatchenko will play the original violin owned by the composer Antonio Vivaldi. The violin, a Pietro Guarnieri (known as Pietro Veneziano), dated 1740 has never been released for public performances since Vivaldi’s death. After being preserved for over 250 years, just lately, it has been released to be performed by the young prodigy. Presented by the Russian Cultural Centre, the UniGlobus – Master University and the Euro Academy of Music and Arts – Malta.
The go Mobile Malta Song for Europe 2006 Festival
4 February at the Mediterranean Conference Centre, Valletta
The go Mobile Malta Song for Europe 2006 Festival finals will result in the choice of the song which will represent Malta in the European Song Festival to be held in Athens in May. This year, the winning song will be selected by 100 per cent televoting. All the submissions have gone through two phases of selection and 16 songs have made it to this year’s festival. This year the MaltaSong Board together with Aceline launched the Opportunity 2 contest which resulted in two other songs, interpreted by new singers, being chosen to participate with the 16 finalists. The night will be hosted by Eileen Montesin, Josef Bonello and Lou Bondi.
An Evening with
Luigi Tessarollo
5 February at St James Cavalier, Valletta
The Euro Institute, represented by its principal/musician Marc Galea, presents a jazz concert featuring a guitar duo by Luigi Tessatollo and Marc Galea. The programme includes several jazz standards and various improvisations, and original works composed by Luigi himself.
Tribute to the Bee Gees
in Gozo
10 February at the Aurora Theatre, Gozo
The Aurora Theatre will be converted into a retro ’70s and ’80s night to host the most realistic tribute to the Bee Gees – The UK Bee Gees Tribute Band. The trio will perform in a 90-minute concert featuring Bee Gees’ major hits.
Highlighting Mozart – Flute Concerto
14 February at the Manoel Theatre, Valletta
The national orchestra presents an all-Mozart evening. Flautist Andrea Griminelli plays the Concerto for Flute and Orchestra No 1 in G and, together with harpist Caroline Calleja performs the Concerto for Flute, Harp and Orchestra in C Major with the national orchestra conducted by Michael Laus. The programme includes the Serenata Notturna in D Major and the Symphony No 28 in G Minor. In collaboration with the Italian Cultural Institute.
A Night with the Classics
17 February at the Manoel Theatre, Valletta
Baritone Joseph Lia and soprano Marika Bezzina present “A Night with the Classics” at Sala Isouard. Arias by Vaughan Williams, Faure, Verdi, Puccini, Catalani, Dvorak and Schuman. Accompanist Lydia Buttigieg.
The World’s Premier Beatles Show
17 February at the Eden Arena, Paceville
The World’s Premier Beatles Show is a theatrical, magical tour – a journey full of honour, emotion and an unforgettable performance by another Fab Four – The Bootleg Beatles. Especially for this show, the Bootleg Beatles will be joined by members of the London Philharmonic Orchestra, who together will help recreate the authentic sound of the Fab Four.
Orchestral Concert
18 February at the Mediterranean Conference Centre, Valletta
Presented by the Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra of Bulgaria under the baton of Mro Alan Chircop. With the participation of mezzo soprano Sophia Grech from the UK and 10-year-old violinist Masha Diatchenko. On the occasion of the 40th anniversary celebrations of the Union Haddiema Maghqudin (UHM). The programme includes works by Mendelssohn, Waxmann, Rossini, Wagner, Mozart, Elgar, Bizet and J. Strauss.
Intimate Letters – Leos Janacek
22 February at the Auberge d’Italie, Valletta
The works chosen for this concert are Janacek’s two string quartets, the second of which, called Intimate Letters, is the work most directly inspired by Kamilla Stosslova, a woman with whom the Czech composer had maintained a close friendship. Music by Pro Muzika Ensemble: Sarah Spiteri on violin, Roberta Attard on violin, Stephen Zammit on viola, Mario Psaila on cello. Letters read by Jon Rosser.
VISUAL ARTS
Artissa Art Gallery Winter Collection
6 December 2005 – 28 February at Artissa Art Gallery, 240, Zabbar Road, Fgura
A new collection of artwork – over 70 paintings by more than 20 artists – which are being exhibited throughout the winter months.
Drawings
8 December 2005 – 14 February at the Contemporary Hall, National Museum of Fine Arts, Valletta
An exhibition of drawings by Anton Grech.
Abstract Paintings
16 December 2005 – 6 February at the Loggia, National Museum of Fine Arts, Valletta
An exhibition of paintings by John Grima
Kickin’ Up Dust
16 January 2005 – 12 February at St James Cavalier, Valletta
The 40 photographs in this exhibition depict scenes from four cultural festivals that represent the diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander life in Australia today. The exhibition is made possible with the assistance of the Australian High Commission.
Symbolic Imagery of Archaic Gems
21 January – 5 March at the Medieval Hall, National Museum of Archaeology, Valletta
Exhibition of paintings by Monica Spiteri.
Characters in Beijing Opera
27 January – 28 March at the Salon, National Museum of Archaeology, Valletta
Exhibition organised by the Cultural Centre of the People’s Republic of China in Malta and Heritage Malta, sponsored by the Ministry of Culture of the People’s Republic of China.
Pictures from the Outside
27 January – 12 February at 88, Melita Street, Valletta
Exhibition of paintings by Shaun Grech.
Malta as seen by a German artist
8 February – 3 March at the German-Maltese Circle, Messina Palace, Valletta
An exhibition of paintings and watercolours by Evelyn Mittmann.
Tibet in the eyes of
100 photographers
10-17 February at Malta China Friendship Society, 62, St Christopher’s Street, Valletta
Organised by the Malta China Friendship Society.
Exhibition of Chinese Kite
13 February – 2 April at the Art Gallery, China Cultural Centre, 173, Melita Street, Valletta
Selve Oscure
17 February – 31 March at Heritage Malta head office, Valletta
An exhibition of paintings by Anthony Catania.
Immagina
18 February – 19 March at St James Cavalier, Valletta
An exhibition of fantasy art by Joseph Bugeja. The pieces on display have one thing in common… a Maltese representation in form or another. Although small in size, Malta has a history that few other places can match. From megalithic temples, knights, folklore, legends, world wars… these were the sources for his inspiration!
LECTURES
The Conservation of 20th Century Architectural Heritage in Malta
7 February at Heritage Malta Head Office, Valletta
Public lecture by Konrad Thake; organised by Heritage Malta.
The Order of St John and the emergence of a Maltese State
9 February at the Judge Caruana Curran Hall, Din L-Art Helwa, 133, Melita Street, Valletta
Lecture by Prof. Alain Blondy; organised by Din L-Art Helwa
The Malta Section of the Travel Album of Rev David Fredrick Markham, 1845-1846
21 February at Heritage Malta head office, Valletta
Public lecture by Antonio Espinosa Rodriguez; organised by Heritage Malta
OTHER EVENTS
The go Mobile ZOO Goes Best
10-12 February at the Mediterranean Conference Centre, Valletta
For its ninth show, Zoo is staging a “Best of”. The Zoo team is starting off the year by featuring some of the best sketches done in the past eight shows, including some original sketches with an add-on of new characters. With Chrysander Agius, Owen Bonnici, Daniel Chircop and Claire Agius Ordway.
Carnival – 24-28 February
A series of colourful events, concentrated in Valletta. Organised by the Malta Council for Culture/ Arts and by the MTA.
This information is correct at the time of printing
Bookings for the Manoel Theatre from the Manoel Theatre Booking Office, tel. 2124-6389; email [email protected] and online www.teatrumanoel.com
Bookings at St James Cavalier from the Booking Office in Valletta, tel. 2122-3200 or email: [email protected]. More information from website www.sjcav.org
Bookings at the Mediterranean Conference Centre tel. 2559-5751 or [email protected]
[email protected]