The Sliema community theatre Teatru Salesjan (or The Salesian Theatre) is over a century old, yet it is as bustling, energised and committed to promoting the community and local creativity as ever.

Founded in the year 1908, it is actually one of Malta’s oldest functioning theatres. At that time, the theatre was a popular source of entertainment for the public, and cheap admission fees and improved public transport meant that there was absolutely no excuse not to go to a show. Moreover, many localities had theatres, so the locals would usually frequent the ones close to them. The artwork decorating the stage and curtain is the work of the famous Maltese artist Giuseppe Cali.

The Salesian Theatre is living proof of what breathing life into a place can result in. The newly-contemporary theatre, which seats around 450 people, now puts on around 30 shows every year, keeping up its mission to support creativity, develop artistic skills and encourage dialogue and ideas.

The complex also hosts a number of philanthropic initiatives. Run completely by volunteers, their aim is to reach out to the local community with the hope of making a difference. The money collected by hiring the venues goes towards supporting work with young people.

Moreover, they have started planning an architectural transformation for the theatre, together with Chris Briffa Architects, which will modernise the building, as well as restore features which may have been damaged or lost over the years, among other things. We can only expect the venue to become even more special within a couple of years.

Teatru Salesjan is currently in cultural partnership with Arts Council Malta and has made collaborative partnerships with the award-winning young people’s theatre company Studio 18 and the Opening Doors Association who create dance, music, and theatre for people with learning difficulties. These two companies are now in residence at Teatru Salesjan and the building serves as their creative hub in Malta.

Follow them on Facebook and keep up with their programme at Teatru Salesjan.