Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1264355
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 28 JUNE 2020 7 THEATRE TEATRU Manoel in Valletta is preparing to safely welcome back audiences as restrictions surrounding the global COV- ID-19 pandemic are gradually lifted. Despite being closed from mid-March at the height of the COVID-19 crisis, the theatre has nevertheless kept its es- sence alive, largely through in- novative online initiatives. Each week, the Streaming Series shared one of sever- al operas, plays, musicals and concerts previously staged at the theatre exclusively via its Facebook page. These authen- tic theatre-like online events have also been complemented by the #StreamTalks, whereby cast and crew would share their experiences of working on the production. "Alongside the Streaming Se- ries and #StreamTalks, both very well-received, various oth- er ongoing projects and tuition have continued unabated in a digital capacity," explains Te- atru Manoel artistic director, Kenneth Zammit Tabona. "The theatre has also taken advan- tage of this enforced hiatus by continuing maintenance and restoration works." The theatre also ventured fur- ther into the online world with new initiatives such as the Tea- tru Manoel Interviews, in which prominent artists shared their experiences, and the Shake- speare Monologues, whereby solo actors performed some of the Bard's best works. Both projects are now set to contin- ue both online and in-person on the Manoel stage, with social distancing and other precau- tions maintained throughout. The popular Toi Toi pro- gramme has likewise contin- ued online without stopping, through collaboration with local artistic consultants and practitioners and by adding in- ventive solutions for preserving Toi Toi's famously interactive quality. As Teatru Manoel prepares to re-open its doors, it is prioritis- ing the safety of the cast, crew and audience that will be hosted within it during the 'new nor- mal' that follows the COVID-19 pandemic. "The regulations regarding what we were permitted to do at the theatre were initially very stringent, but they are gradu- ally being officially relaxed, so we are remaining flexible and adapting as new information is received from the authorities," Zammit Tabona adds. "Sadly, dramatic works are not feasible at the moment as actors cannot physically interact, but we live day to day hoping that the pan- demic will lose its sting and en- able us to function as a temple of the arts once more." The COVID-related limita- tions may yet have a knock-on effect on the upcoming theatre season and much-anticipated annual Baroque Festival, due to take place in January 2021, but Mr Zammit Tabona remains optimistic. "Since the situation is still rapidly changing regarding the pandemic, it is impossible to predict how it may impact the upcoming theatre season," he explains. "Nevertheless, we have planned a number of per- formances like piano recitals, chamber music, jazz and lied- er and operatic recitals that can open as soon as permitted, and the Baroque Festival is set to be better than ever if it can go ahead. "And perhaps there may soon be a play – I hope an opera – about 'Life in the Time of Coro- navirus', which we could stage as soon as we can as a Teatru Manoel production!" Teatru Manoel sets the stage ready for the 'new normal' Malta's national theatre is getting ready to welcome back audiences, with COVID-19 in mind APS Teatru Unplugged (Photo: Shaun Spiteri) L-Impotenti (Photo: Justin Mamo)