Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1332685
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 24 JANUARY 2021 7 THEATRE TEATRU Malta has not only recently become a full member of the European Theatre Con- vention but they also have some serious busi- ness up their sleeve for 2021 and it's starting off with introducing their audiences to their associate artists. The Associate Artist Programme is a new and exciting opportunity for up to 6 artists to collaborate with Teatru Malta and share their knowledge, competences and resourc- es for further developing their own artistic practices and that of their colleagues. Who made the cut? This year the national theatre company will be working closely with Jimmy Grima, Lee-N Abela, Marta Vella, Paul Portelli, Si- mon Bartolo and Simone Spiteri, who will all be roped in to share their thoughts and get involved in specific projects that have been lined up for the new year. If we're going to judge Teatru Malta by the company they're keeping then let's just say we're excited to see what's in store for the months ahead. All of the associate artists are well seasoned professionals and practitioners of their craft, from writing to performing to directing all the artists selected have a wealth of knowl- edge and experience to bring to any table brimming with creative ideas. Another project in conjunction with Te- atru Malta's Associate Artist's programme is Teatru Malta's revamped Atelier Francis Ebejer in collaboration with Teatru Manoel and Spazju Kreattiv. This project has been brewing for quite a long time and stems from its predecessors Premju & Proġett Francis Ebejer. Now that they've closed off their associate artist's board, the very first Atelier introduc- tory session is set to take place on 28 January on Zoom and will be open to anyone inter- ested in eventually applying to form part of the Atelier which aims to be a safe space to discuss, debate and produce theatre. Teatru Malta introduce their associate artists