It is with great sadness that I have heard of the attempt to alter the basement of the Casa Lanfreducci, an extension of the crypt of the neighbouring Our Lady of Victory church, for use in conjunction with a nearby theatre. For such a beautiful structure, which was not only the foundation for Our Lady of Victory church but also the foundation of the proud history of Malta and her people, to be turned into a bathroom/changing room to facilitate an outdoor theatre, is indeed sad and troubling.

As a resident of Chicago, Illinois USA, I have personally witnessed the destruction of beautiful and amazing historical buildings whether completely or through attempts to ‘modernize’ them with other structures. Those beautiful structures have given way to a panoply of ‘modern’ structures ranging from glitzy condos to Soviet style architecture of nondescript ‘boxes’. And while I understand progress does march on, it does not have to in such a manner as to destroy the past. While some structures are worthy of upgrade or destruction to make environs better, in this case, such a structure that is so beautiful and stunning in its design, and which is inextricably linked to the Maltese culture and history is not one and the attempts to change it are shameful.

I would say, as one who is a project manager with a global food company and well versed in construction and solution management of problems, that there is another way to provide the theatre with their needs without having to sell out your proud history. I would challenge those in charge of this project to rise to the occasion and develop alternative plans that don’t encroach on this historical structure. The developers and governing agencies may not want to spend more money or pursue different paths to those solutions, but I will tell you once you go too far in changing or destroying such structures, you cannot get back your history no matter how hard you try. However, you can always find another shower or changing room or bathroom through modern technology in building construction. I will ask those pursuing this action if they have indeed taken into account those other pathways to a solution or did they merely pursue the most expedient and least costly path? That answer will be most telling.

In closing I ask the people of Malta, to join forces against this new siege on the history of Malta and repel those who seek to destroy its past while taking it to the future. History and modern times can coexist when common sense is their spine.

Thank you for the opportunity to share my thoughts on this matter.