Rather than rebuilt, the Royal Opera House in Valletta could be turned into a permanent open-air performing space should a proposal to be submitted by Minister for Culture and Tourism Minister Dr. Francis Zammit Dimech be accepted.
The proposal, which has already been drawn up, is expected to be discussed at government level and should it be taken up, the ruins of the Opera House could become on of Malta’s largest cultural venues, involving only minimal expenses.
According to The Times of Malta Dr Zammit Dimech stated that in summer the venue could provide a seating capacity of 1,200, roughly the equivalent of Malta's largest indoor venue, the Mediterranean Conference Centre also in Valletta. During winter it is planned that the Royal Opera House will be covered, providing seating for around 1,000 spectators.
Designs, drawn up by architect Adrian Mamo include the creation of a makeshift stage and the addition of soft structures and make the venue suitable for both cultural activities as well as live television programmes.
The opera house, designed by E.M. Barry, architect of the Royal Opera House in London's Covent Garden, was built in 1866 and demolished in bombardments during World War II.
In turn, Minister Francis Zammit Dimech declined to comment about the proposal to build a new Parliament on the site of the opera house’s ruins and it is unclear whether or not this proposal has been curbed completely.
See also:
Government to take decisions about Royal Opera House and Fort St. Elmo
By Ruth Davies
Mar 29, 2004, 13:47 CET
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