- Address: Malta, 115 Triq it-Teatru l-Antik, Valletta VLT, 1426
- Phone: +356 2122 2618
- E-mail: bookings@teatrumanoel.com.mt
- Website: www.teatrumanoel.com.mt
One of the oldest, but at the same time operating theaters, in Europe you can call the theater Manoel. Manoel Theater is located in Valletta , Malta .
The history of the theater
The Manoel Theater in Malta was built in 1731 exclusively at the expense of Antonio Manuel de Vilhen, who was the customer of the construction. He also defined the purpose of this theater for entertainment and recreation. And this phrase, which has become famous, can now be seen above the entrance to the theater. The motto reads: "Ad honestam populi oblectationem".
The theater was built in a very short time, it was built in less than a year. And already in these walls in early January 1732 the first production was shown. On January 9, spectators saw the classic tragedy Scipio Maffei.
It is worth noting that at that time the theater wore a slightly different name - Teatro Pubblico, and a little later it was renamed Teatro Reale. And only in the course of time, in 1873, the theater received a name under which is known and now - Manoel Theater.
Hard times
But this famous theater for the whole world experienced not only the heyday. He fell a lot of tests, and at one time he even was a haven for the homeless. During the Second World War people huddled here, hiding from bombing. But in 1942 the Royal Opera House was destroyed, and the government of Malta thought about the need for a new opera house. Therefore, it was decided to confiscate the building of the Manoel Theater. He was quickly put in order, and pretty soon the theater returned its glory, after experiencing several reconstructions and transformations.
Now the theater looks magnificent, its boxes are richly decorated again, beautiful frescoes and gilding appeared on the walls, green velvet adds richness to the decoration of the theater. But still the building retained its original features: a white marble staircase, Viennese huge chandeliers and niches, executed in the form of shells.
Contemporary Theater
The theater was not designed for a large number of spectators, it only has six hundred seats. The exterior of the building looks strictly outside, but inside it the oval hall has several loggias, which are decorated with exquisite baroque carvings.
The hall has a ceiling in the form of a dome, thanks to which there is incredible acoustics. Spectators who are in the hall can hear even the slightest rustle. The walls of this theater were host to many world celebrities. Boris Khristov and Flaviano Labo performed here, the audience enjoyed the performance of Mstislav Rostropovich, Rosanna Carteri and many other artists.
The theater of Nottingham also represented its troupe with a tour in Malta, at the Manoel Theater. There was also a troupe of the Berlin State Opera and Ballet. Today it is very prestigious to speak in the walls of this theater and any artist wants to get here.
In our time in the theater you can watch performances of different genres that can attract the most demanding viewers. There are musical performances and an annual pantomime, dedicated to Christmas. Magnificent opera concerts are replaced by poetic evenings, and after the children's programs you can visit readings of dramatic works.
Sometimes the theater hosts music festivals and other cultural events. There is often the Philharmonic Orchestra of Malta. Tourists will be interested in the theater museum, which contains an exhibition showing the development of the theater in Malta for three hundred years. Excursions are held not only on the museum, but also on the theater. There is a special atmosphere in it, and its walls attract tourists to them.
If you are in Malta, the Manoel Theater must be included in the excursion program, and excellent guides will help you to learn a lot of interesting things.
How to get there?
You can get to the theater by using public transport . By bus number 133, you can reach the Kristofru stop - just around the corner is the entrance to the building.
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