THE THEATRE IN MALTA
Cecilia Xuereb
Year of publication: 1997
101 Pages
ISBN: 99909-959-4 - paperback

This publication was put together to mark Fsetting up of a permanent exhibition dealing with the story of the theatre in the Maltese Islands. This project was executed in close collaboration with the Manoel Theatre Management Committee.

The book highlights the theatre as playing a leading role in Maltese cultural heritage. It provides the reader with a historical background of the Manoel Theatre, the oldest to be still in use in Europe, as well as a detailed account on the building of the short-lived Royal Opera House (1861-1866).

The history of the theatre in Malta is analysed through unpublished drawings, scenographic architecture, performances and performers alike. Furthermore, an in-depth study of unpublished 18th century chronicles is provided, describing the contemporary theatre scene as a focal point of social interaction - an arena in which vanities and passions were daily enacted. Apparently more drama happened outside the curtain than behind it!
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CONTENTS

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Theatre and Theatre-Making in Malta

Paul Xuereb

A Survey of Unpublished Drawings relating to the Manoel Theatre

Konrad Buhagiar & David Drago

A Stage to Produce Dreams: Scenographic Architecture at the Manoel

Vicki Ann Cremona

Opera in Malta during the 18th Century

Alfred Miceli

Grins and Groans at the Manoel Theatre

Giovanni Bonello

The Building of the Royal Opera House - 1861-1866

Michael Ellul

Maltese Composers and Opera Composition

Joseph Vella Bondin‍

Behind the Curtains of an Impresario

Anthony Miceli Farrugia

A Night at the Opera

John Wignacourt