Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1146457
7 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 21 JULY 2019 CULTURE ENVIRONMENT Our coastal waters are home to many kinds of crab. While perhaps not the most charismatic of animals, there's a group of them with a rather endearing habit. As we know, crabs generally come with standard-issue armour plating that protects them from would-be predators. Not hermit crabs: these guys run out of armour halfway down their body, which leaves their nether end soft and vulnerable. Hermit crabs solve this problem by finding empty snail shells, reverse into them and carry them around wherever they go, hence granċ tal-bebbuxu in Maltese. A nifty solution, with one obvious drawback: while the crab grows in size, its adopted shell doesn't. So lodgings eventually get too cramped and the crab must at some point find a bigger shell to transfer into. One of our most common species is the shore hermit crab (pictured above), easily recognised by the snazzy – if a tad passé – red- and-white striped feet. Text and Photo: Victor Falzon 670. HERMIT CRAB Visit Friends of the Earth's website for more information about our work, as well as for information about how to join us. You can also support us by sending us a donation - www.foemalta.org/donate GREEN IDEA OF THE WEEK 571: Apply now: http://foemalta.org/vacancies/secondment/ THIS year's highly anticipated Malta International Arts Festival (MIAF), produced by Festivals Malta, has ended. It was a festival that many believe will go down in history as one of the most innovative and yet accessible editions of this annual cultural event. With events taking place in a diverse array of lo- cations – from Ħaġar Qim and Valletta's Pjazza Teatru Rjal to the purpose-built stage down at Il- Fossa in Valletta and the Fernandes sailing vessel – there was no shortage of dynamic and exciting places to discover the arts over the last two weeks. The programme was the culmination of some innovative concepts and ideas from the festival's new artistic director, Ruben Zahra. He professes extreme satisfaction of the outcome, especially that his vision was so warmly embraced by audi- ences from all walks of life, whether ardent culture lovers or not. "Harbour Odyssey – a sunset tour- performance of the Grand Harbour – was a big hit with the audience, which was equally split between tourists and locals. The three shows sold out in a matter of days," he says. Zahra was equally enthusiastic about the 'float- ing stage' programme that saw a number of double bill-programmes unfold in seven different locali- ties along Malta's coastline. This strand offered a programme of free performances on the front deck of the Fernandes, while the public enjoyed it from the shore. These shows earned positive feedback on every level, from local councils to the prome- nade audiences themselves. "This strand certainly offered its logistical challenges for me and my team "says Zahra, "but the response made it all worth- while." In the meantime, the two events at Ħaġar Qim superseded everyone's expectations for the vi- brant contract between contemporary performing arts and the stunning visual impact of the temple. Ħaġar Qim served as a dynamic backdrop to two sold-out performances of "Temple Percussion" and "Ancient Voices". "The festival is not just a showcase of events. MIAF presents stories and narratives. It is an opportunity for the audience to experience artistic excellence in the unique setting of a Neolithic Temple," says Zahra. These events were accompanied by a stimulating and colourful repertoire of music, dance and the- atrical performances – from a distinctive take on Flamenco dance to a holographic theatre piece and a children's performance inspired by the colourful life of Italian composer Luciano Berio. Then, the closing event and highlight of the festival was Aq- uasonic – a contemporary, ground-breaking yet completely accessible show that featured musi- cians and singers performing under water and that truly captivated its audience. Zahra is also very pleased that the MIAF was also an opportunity to connect local artists with international talent. This was most evident in the "M.A.D. Music & Dance" project, featuring Israeli choreographer Gil Kerer who was here on a resi- dency programme to work with six local dancers. Similarly, "Ancient Voices" saw the collaboration between local dancer Diane Portelli (Moveo Dance Company) and Scottish musician John Kenny. 2019 edition of the Malta International Arts Festival sails into history Vacancy Call The government scheme for public employees to be released to work with voluntary organisations has been launched. If you are a public service employee eligible for the scheme and want to spend 12 months working to safeguard our environment, apply online via the link below. Depending on experience and expertise, the scheme beneficiary could be involved in any of the following: research, client relations, project management, education and awareness, logistics, general office administration, support with our community garden and bee keeping initiatives. Opportunities for participating in training, semi- nars and conferences (in Malta and abroad) might also be available. Ancient Voices - photo by Matthew Mirabelli Harbour Odyssey - photo by Joseph Agius Attard