People who frequent the theatre on a regular basis and who then watch other productions on local television stations are bound to compare and contrast.

And, when they do so, it becomes increasingly clear that there is a difference between what is produced by theatre enthusiasts and what is being shown on local television stations, and by this we do not only mean drama, but also other TV productions that leave so much to be desired.

While what thousands of families watch in the comfort of their homes is very often not up to standard, with a few exceptions here and there, what the hundreds in theatres gladly see are well-produced plays and musicals that deserve bigger audiences and more publicity.

Theatre-goers can easily notice that Malta does not lack talent. There is a good crop of young Maltese actors and singers who have already made the grade in spite of their limited experience, and who deserve all the support they can get, both financially and otherwise.

In many instances, such artistes take part in productions on a voluntary basis, just for the love of theatre and to increase their personal portfolio. Some of them actually pay for their costumes and other props used in the production. And, judging by the “professional” outcome of the production, it is evident that a lot of time goes into its preparation.

It is therefore a big pity that many of the theatre productions, so well-rehearsed and well-produced, end up watched by hundreds, rather than thousands. Such plays and musicals should be filmed and shown to the wider television audience. Many are much better than most of what we are used to watching on local television stations.

The latter should perhaps invest more in such activities too. We are sure that arrangements can be made for local TV stations to film such productions at a cost which would go a long way to help cover the expenses incurred, and in their turn the TV stations would retrieve their expenses and possibly make a profit through television advertising.

In this way, television would be helping theatre but at the same time it would be exposing the general public to the local talent that is unfortunately unknown to the vast majority of TV viewers who never go to the theatre.

Not all people can afford to go to the theatre, and even fewer can afford to go on a regular basis. By filming theatre productions and broadcasting them on TV, this “social” gap would be narrowed.

It would also be a good idea for TV producers to pick new talent from our theatres. There is a lot to choose from. In this way, they would be killing two birds with one stone. There would be a much-needed “change of faces” in local TV productions, and at the same time the product will be enhanced with good acting.

Of course, some actors might still prefer the thrill of a live audience and would never dream of appearing on the box; but there might be others who have gone through all the pains of theatre participating, climbing up the rungs from small parts to a major role, and would perhaps think it is time to give TV acting a try.

What is sure is that local theatre productions need a push that would help them continue to improve what they offer.

Individual actors and singers also deserve a better chance to develop their talent, and to get new opportunities. Most of all, the television audience should be more exposed to what is taking place in our theatres.