Teatru Manoel has officially launched its 2026-27 season, presenting 70 events and productions across its programme. From opera and classical music to theatre, musicals, dance and performances for young audiences, the season brings together Maltese and international artists at Malta's National Theatre.
Highlights include Little Shop of Horrors presented by Masquerade Theatre Company, Oscar Wilde's Salomé and a concert dedicated to Maria Callas. The opera programme features Handel's Giulio Cesare in Egitto and Gounod's Roméo et Juliette. Audiences can also look forward to the De Valette Chamber Orchestra's season opening concert, performances by the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra and ŻfinMalta, and events from the Valletta Baroque Festival, Malta Spring Festival and Malta International Arts Festival.
The programme will unfold across the theatre's main auditorium, Studio Theatre and Sala Isouard, offering settings for large productions, intimate performances and concerts. It continues Teatru Manoel's commitment to presenting new work while caring for a theatre that has welcomed audiences for almost three centuries.
Welcoming the season, Malcolm Paul Agius Galea, Minister for Arts, Culture and the National Heritage, said "the strength of a cultural institution is measured not only by the history it preserves, but also by its ability to remain relevant to the people of today and to inspire those who will shape the culture of tomorrow."
Michael Grech, Chairman of Teatru Manoel, mentioned that "as Malta's National Theatre, we are proud to present a programme that brings together outstanding local and international artists, fostering dialogue, collaboration, and cultural exchange. Equally important is our commitment to supporting Maltese talent and creating opportunities for emerging artists and audiences alike."
Edward Zammit, CEO of Teatru Manoel, noted that "every visit to Teatru Manoel is an encounter with a living monument, where heritage and creativity exist side by side. As custodians of one of Europe's oldest working theatres, we arecommitted to preserving this remarkable legacy while ensuring that it continues to inspire future generations."
Architect Adrian Mamo, Artistic Director of Teatru Manoel, added that "this season celebrates the richness and diversity of the performing arts, bringing together opera, musicals, pantomime, dance, classical music, and theatre in both Maltese and English. Alongside our own productions, we are proud to welcome performances from the Valletta Baroque Festival, Malta Arts Festival, and Malta Spring Festival."
Furthermore, TOI TOI, the theatre's Learning and Participation programme, returns with nine revived productions and four new works: Jingle!, Wara l-Mewġ, Home Invasion and Għadna Żgħar. Its programme also features Alice in Theatreland!, Teatru Manoel's first Easter pantomime, and a new collaboration with theatre company Rhum+Clay on adaptations of The War of the Worlds and Mistero Buffo.
Kate Fenech Field, TOI TOI Manager, highlighted that "this season we are also launching a new wellbeing project, fondly titled BOP! which brings people together through the joy of movement and great music. For the Main Stage, TOI TOI presents its first Easter Panto, Alice in Theatreland!"
The full season programme and the latest performance information are available at www.teatrumanoel.mt.