Culture helps the mind think. Without culture, a nation cannot be described as such. Culture is the basis of a people’s formation, it is part and parcel of what is known as a nation’s “identity”.
There is a lot of truth in the words above. Luckily, in Malta, we do give importance to culture. But, is it enough?
All through winter and, to a lesser extent, even in the hot summer months, this country offers a number of cultural activities that are well-prepared, professionally organised and entertaining to watch. Every day, this newspaper is inundated with press releases and emails from groups or organisations wanting to promote their activity. As much as possible and as far as the space available allows, we do try to accommodate one and all.
It is sometimes astonishing to see so many cultural events taking place in this tiny island. Plays, concerts, exhibitions – you name it, there is always something going on. Activities in winter are held in the many theatres that dot the islands; in summer, most of the venues are held outdoors.
On most occasions, the events are organised by volunteers and the participants themselves are also people who get nothing out of it. They do it just for the fun of taking part. So much time is spent in the preparation process, with most of the participants often forking out part of the expenses themselves. But they do it without batting an eyelid because they enjoy it and, for them, it is an enriching experience.
The attendance at such activities varies, and this largely depends on the type of activity that is organised. Often, it is also a case of who is taking part. If well-known performers and organisers form part of the line-up, then the possibility of bigger attendances is greater.
But, one must say that there are a number of entertainers who might not be as popular as the well-established ones, and yet their performances are very much up to standard. There are performers who have so far limited their activity to “parochial” events when they should be given the chance to show all their worth in “national” events, if they want to do so. Some also have the potential of appearing on television too.
Sometimes one wonders why these people do not make a name for themselves. For example, we get to see the same faces in “cultural television” series, when there are many others who would definitely do well, were the producers of such programmes to give them the chance.
Why should viewers get to see always the same performers on television, whether it is dance, music or drama, when there are so many others who would do their job well – possibly better – but never get the opportunity? Are television producers doing enough to find new talent?
To go back to the theatre and the halls – because it is on this aspect that we would like to concentrate – it must be emphasised that these groups of people who organise cultural events should be supported as much as possible. By support, we mean both financial and in terms of attendance.
It is unfortunate that it happens quite often that cultural activities do not get the backing that they deserve. Such activities need funds to be organised, but these are not forthcoming every time. The government and the Malta Tourism Authority do their best to help, but one must understand that there are limitations. Big companies should take a more active participation in such events.
The so-called big events are always well-attended, but there are many others who should attract a bigger audience. Unfortunately, there are many people who have never been to a theatre or do so very rarely.
Everything possible should be done to increase the number of theatre-goers. The worst thing for a performer is to go on stage and see an almost empty theatre.