Could this proposal see Valletta’s Royal Opera House restored to its former glory?
Felix Busuttil is proposing change.
What if we could have Valletta's majestic Royal Opera House restored to its original Victorian glory, like it once was? Felix Busuttil seems to think it would be ideal. The YADA Dance Company director and Labour MEP candidate contesting in next month’s election wrote a passionate Facebook post to this effect.
“I firmly believe that the Royal Opera House should be rebuilt with its former stunning exterior and a modern interior with the latest technology. Every capital city has its cultural gems. Ours was destroyed during World War II and was never rebuilt. I personally wish for it to shine bright once again in Valletta, just like a phoenix,” Felix wrote.
Taking it back to bombs and air raids
The prestigious Royal Opera House, just a stone’s throw away from the main gate of the capital city was a performing arts venue built by the British. Designed by Edward Middleton Barry, the theatre was constructed in 1866. Unfortunately, in 1873 its interior was extensively damaged by a fire, but it was eventually restored in 1877.
The Royal Opera House couldn’t get a break, because in 1942 it received a direct hit from a World War II aerial bombing. Prior to its destruction, it was considered as one of the most beautiful and iconic buildings in the city.
The restoration project
Many an architect tried to restore the opera house to its former glory but plans to rebuild it were abandoned. Then came along Italian architect, Renzo Piano, who took on the big project and transformed the theatre ruins into an open-air space for performing arts, now called Pjazza Teatru Rjal.
We want to hear from you!
According to the comments that this post was raking in, it seems a consensus on the matter does exist and many people agree with Felix's thoughts. What do you think? Should the theatre be rebuilt for the Maltese Islands to regain a gem that was lost at the hands of the raids, or should it be left alone and admired in its current, modern state?