Forging links:

From Monday, 24 September: Transformer multi-site exhibition - Blitz, St Lucy Street, Valletta

Local artists, during this Valletta 2018 year, have attempted to make connections with like-minded creatives in other countries to forge bonds which will allow for more wide-ranging commentary on the state of the world. While many of these have ranged in success, and appeal, the exhibitions installed at Blitz – a small gallery in St Lucy street – have garnered respect within the Maltese community and beyond. This project, which will also see curatorial research, artist residencies, public talks, workshops, and an online platform set up, promises to continue the legacy: it aims to encourage artistic discourse with other creative practitioners in the United Kingdom, Spain, Morocco and Greece, thus building a network which will help develop Artist Run Organisations (AROs).

Mid-week gigs:

Tuesday, 25 September at 8pm: Jazz Nights at The Gut - The Gut, Valletta

It’s a weekend night every night at The Gut in Valletta - an area which has revived itself and promises to remain awake even when work beckons the next morning. A heavy head as you stumble out of bed might not be a bad trade off to make for a night of jazz and drinks, like the one tomorrow night, which will see Nadine Axisa belt out Latin American and Swing classics, accompanied by veteran percussion player Joe (il-Bibi) Camilleri, and Harry Eddleston on keyboards.

Thursday, 27 September at 8pm: Mogadishu, Live at Maori - Maori, Triq il-Lanca, Valletta

Maori – if you’ve never been there before – is one of those rare bars which still breathes a salt-of-the-earth (or should we say sea?) authenticity. It’s light years away from faux-fancy lounge bars with their high chairs and pristine white cushions, and all the more lovable because you can still get a beer for cheap! This Thursday, head down there for a free concert by the eclectic Mogadishu, who will be playing some tracks to get you moving in time to start again for the weekend. 

Settle in:

Tuesday, 25 September at 8.30pm: City of God - The Cinema Bar by Citylights, Valletta

The Cinema Bar at Citylights has only little in common with its more notorious brother upstairs. Sporting old theatre seats and film props, it has managed to attract a strong following, in part due to its history but also due to its penchant for showing old classics in a timeless environment. Tomorrow, City of God will be screened and, boy, what a treat this will be! Get there on time (8.30pm) to catch the high-octane opening sequence – you will not easily forget the experience!

Thursday, 27 September at 8pm: National Theatre Live - King Lear - Spazju Kreattiv, Valletta

Ian McKellen. Need we say more? The star of screen and stage treads the boards as King Lear in this Shakespearean tragedy broadcast live from the National Theatre in London. Watch as the aging monarch turns against his favourite daughter, cutting her out of her inheritance; the family betrayal he endures, and the tragic repercussions of decisions made in a moment of haste.