Opened in 1732, Teatru Manoel is Europe’s oldest working theatre. Its grand and opulent oval auditorium boasts four splendid tiers of lavishly gilded boxes crafted entirely in wood and decorated with 22 carat gold leaf. Above, a decorated pale blue ceiling gives the illusion of a domed cupola (a trick known as a trompe l’oeil – or ‘optical illusion’) and the perceived curvature adds height and grandeur. Light glints off Venetian glass light fixtures and a stunning grand chandelier, and the space has legendarily accurate acoustics, so it’s a wonderful venue to attend a performance. 

“Theatre brings stories to people, whether that’s through classic theatre or a contemporary play, through opera, musical theatre or dance, in a concert or a children’s show,” says Adrian Mamo, the theatre’s new Artistic Director.

“We all remember the first time we saw a stage show and how it captivated us. As people, we relate to stories, and in a modern world which bombards us with information – much of which is false or irrelevant – as well as entertaining audiences, we present performances that strike a chord: they move, inspire, and even teach their audiences. Therefore, everyone who steps onto the stage commands the attention of their audience, and that’s both a privilege and a responsibility.” And as Malta’s national theatre, Teatru Manoel certainly strives for excellence across many genres.

Anyone who enters the Teatru Manoel for the first time is amazed by this beautiful architectural jewel. “The building and its history are fascinating,” Adrian enthuses, “so we now offer animated, behind-the-scenes tours hosted by tour guide and actor Jeremy Grech from House of Tours. As bouncy Baroque, a loveable larger-than-life character clad in a red and gold frock coat, powdered wig and frilled chemise, he represents the beating heart and soul of the theatre, introducing small groups of visitors to Teatru Manoel’s past and its secrets. It’s a high-energy experience which includes lively tales of Malta’s Knights, the French, the Italians, and the British. An occasional Viking and Jester might even make an appearance!”

During the tour, Baroque digs down into the rivalry between the French and Italian Knights. The Italian Knights presented Scipione Maffei’s classic tragedy ‘Merope’ as the very first performance in the theatre in 1732; shortly afterwards, the French Knights presented a light-hearted operetta. Visitors will also hear how, in the 18th century, performances were akin to street theatre and a theatre audience could be unruly. “During masked balls at the theatre, the Knights – who were meant to be celibate – and ladies of disrepute got up to all sorts of naughtiness, especially in the theatre boxes which were partially screened in those days,” he chuckles.

From the rehearsal and studio rooms backstage, Baroque leads the way onto the main stage, where visitors take a light-hearted crash course in theatre basics from the Ancient Greeks to Shakespeare and then, after a whistle-stop warm-up, it’s time to open the curtains and see the auditorium from the stage itself. It’s simply stunning: a wow-factor moment. From that historic vantage you feel truly immersed in the building’s heritage, a past intertwined with that of Malta itself. It’s here that the first public airing of Malta’s national anthem took place in 1922, and the theatre also provided emergency accommodation during the World War II bombing of Valletta.

“With Teatru Manoel having such a colourful history, it is an absolute privilege to be the new Artistic Director and become part of its story,” continues Adrian. “It’s great to be filling the calendar with vibrant and exciting shows to suit everyone from theatre buffs to opera lovers, the serious, the frivolous, and all the family. For example, in November we are presenting Mozart’s ‘Apollo et Hyacinthus’ for The Three Palaces Early Opera and Music Festival, and we’re also looking forward to the Christmas pantomime, which is always great fun. This year it’s ‘Beauty and the Beast’ (by the Malta Amateur Dramatic Club) which revolves around one of the most important lessons we ever learn – that you can’t judge a book by its cover – and we’ll be wrapping it up in festive fun and jollity.”

The much-fêted Manoel Theatre Opera in March is another highlight. “I’m delighted to announce that we are presenting ‘Armida’ by Gioachino Rossini, one of the world’s most popular opera composers, in March 2024. It will feature Malta’s very own Three Tenors and involve internationally acclaimed creatives, directors and designers. Excitingly, the set will incorporate some lost scenery dating back over 100 years which was recently discovered,” Adrian smiles.

“The theatre will host various events that form part of the Valletta International Baroque Festival in January as well as Karl Fiorini’s Malta Spring Festival in April. Moreover, the season includes concerts by the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra and performances by Żfinmalta, Malta’s national dance company. We will also stage several musicals including Masquerade’s production of ‘Grease’ in October 2023 and a re-run of ‘Żeża tal-Flagship’ by popular request.

“I am particularly excited about bringing Theatre Anon to Teatru Manoel, with two brilliant theatre pieces that use the age-old magic of puppetry to charm children and adults alike. ‘Requiem għal Leli’ is a striking and inventive adaptation of a Maltese poem set to music, an amazing emotional journey through a dying man’s life using full-size human puppets. The second is ‘The Little Prince’ in English, by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry which is a truly magical stage animation with an original score.

“I’m also really looking forward to a new production of Euripides’ Greek tragedy, ‘Medea’, an exciting dynamic project in collaboration with Żigużajg International Art Festival for Children and Young People,” he reveals.

“Theatre, of course,” he continues, “is a collaboration of many artists, creatives and crews, and the activity behind the scenes is integral to every production. Building on a tradition of supporting new talent and scriptwriters, we’re proud to have teamed up with Teatru Malta, a national theatre venture, to launch Studio Francis Ebejer, a new initiative to encourage and develop new works for the future. It’s great to see so much going on in this iconic institution, and thrilling to be involved.”