Celebrating a momentous 10-year anniversary, Pjazza Teatru Rjal has firmly established itself as one of the most beloved cultural venues in Malta. Nestled within the captivating ruins of Valletta’s Royal Opera House, the once controversial open-air theatre has steadily won over the hearts of local audiences with its diverse programme of dazzling performances, making it a truly unique and cherished part of the national cultural landscape.

“The beauty of our open-air theatre, with its one-of-a-kind backdrop surrounded by iconic heritage buildings such as Auberge de Castille, St James Cavalier and Parliament House, creates a unique atmosphere that really sets our venue apart. We constantly receive feedback from both international patrons and artists who love Pjazza Teatru Rjal and recognise its unique charm,” beams Mro Christopher Muscat, who leads a small team that diligently handles everything from operations and administration to curating the artistic programme that brings this enchanting space to life.

Over the past decade, Pjazza Teatru Rjal has hosted remarkable performances by renowned artists from around the world. The European Union Youth Orchestra, UK percussion group STOMP, Italian star Massimo Lopez, and Croatian cellist duo 2Cellos are just a few of the standout acts that have graced its stage. From captivating symphonies to thunderous beats, Pjazza Teatru Rjal has been a home to top-tier talent, cementing its reputation as a premier cultural destination.

What’s more, the venue boasts the largest stage in Malta, measuring an impressive 20 by 12 metres, making it an ideal platform for dance performances. A few of the illustrious dance troupes that have performed here include London-based, all-male dance company BalletBoyz, dancers from the Bolshoi Ballet and ŻfinMalta, who, collectively, have immersed local audiences in a diverse range of dance styles.

When it comes to designing each artistic season, striking a balance between showcasing local acts and attracting foreign talent is a key consideration. Mro Muscat and his team carefully curate the programme, taking various factors into account to ensure a diverse and engaging line-up that celebrates the best of all genres. This deliberate variation allows the venue to cater to different audience preferences.

“Within each genre, we make a conscious effort to vary the performances,” Mro Muscat explains. “For example, in previous years, we have featured ballet productions. Therefore, this year, we wanted to mix things up and showcase another style of dance through the vibrant art of Spanish flamenco. So, this will be something entirely new on our stage. By constantly diversifying our offerings, we hope to keep our audience engaged and intrigued, fostering a love for different forms of artistic expression.”

The team is also dedicated to making quality acts accessible to all. “Our main philosophy is to provide high-level artistic quality in the most accessible manner possible,” he explains. “We understand the importance of keeping ticket prices minimal, making it affordable for everyone to experience the magic of live performances. Additionally, we offer discounts to youths and senior citizens, ensuring that age or financial constraints do not hinder anyone from enjoying the arts.”

The impact of the pandemic on the local arts scene was significant, and Pjazza Teatru Rjal was not immune to the challenges it brought. As Mro Muscat recalls, the pandemic served as an eye-opener for everyone involved. When restrictions were put in place, Pjazza Teatru Rjal became practically the only local venue operating thanks to its open-air nature, albeit at a reduced capacity – often accommodating only 150 people within its 900-seater space to adhere to social distancing measures. Nevertheless, the team remained determined to keep the cultural flame alive, viewing it as their duty to persevere despite the intense challenges. Since social distancing measures have eased, Mro Muscat and his team have seen a resurgence of interest among locals wanting to experience live performances again.

In fact, the upcoming summer season at Pjazza Teatru Rjal is set to build on last year’s sold-out season and ignite the stage with an array of exciting acts and performances that Mro Muscat promises will leave audiences enthralled.

‘Luxuria’ by Barcelona Flamenco Ballet will see the prestigious international flamenco dance company from Barcelona showcase the captivating artistry and passion of flamenco on the open-air stage. While in July, the talented Italian pianist and conductor, Mario Pollicita, takes the stage. As a close friend of the world-famous pianist extraordinaire Ludovico Einaudi, Pollicita will lead the Malta Concert Orchestra Strings on a mesmerising musical voyage through the extraordinary works of the living Italian legend himself.

For fans of classic rock, the John Lee’s Barclay James Harvest performance is one concert not to be missed. Original members of this legendary British band will take the stage, offering a nostalgic trip down memory lane. While the Malta Concert Orchestra, under the expert guidance of Maestro Joe Brown, is set to add a pop-infused twist to the season with ‘Michael Jackson Meets Abba’. This concert will bring together the music of two giants of pop music, for a night filled with iconic hits, sensational performances and a celebration of these unique musical geniuses that have shaped generations. With these exhilarating acts and more, Pjazza Teatru Rjal promises an unforgettable summer season, where audiences can revel in the magic of live performances under the starry sky in the capital.

As Mro Muscat affirms, “our goal is to bring together exceptional talent from around the world and provide a platform for diverse artistic expressions. Our upcoming season will be a testament to our commitment to enriching Malta’s cultural landscape and offering unforgettable experiences for all.”

Looking beyond its own (metaphorical) walls, another of the team’s intentions for the near future is to take culture outside the confines of Pjazza Teatru Rjal and make it more accessible within local communities through its Pjazza Fi Pjazza series, which sees the concept of Pjazza Teatru Rjal come to life in other piazzas across Malta’s villages and parishes. These events will feature interactive shows that incorporate elements of dance, music, poetry, and more. The mission is clear: to bring culture closer to the people, making it a shared experience that transcends traditional boundaries.

Reflecting on the role Pjazza Teatru Rjal continues to play in the local cultural scene, Mro Muscat states: “we strongly believe in the power of culture to connect and uplift communities, and we see it as our mission as a public cultural organisation to bridge the gap and make culture accessible to all. We want to leave a lasting impact on Malta’s cultural landscape, bringing the transformative magic of the arts to as many people as possible, from all walks of life.”

For a full calendar of events visit pjazzateatrurjal.mt