Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1489656
15 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 8 JANUARY 2023 NEWS is occurring all at once right now. I've also heard from friends who say that because there are so many events happening at the same time, they can't go to all of them, for the simple reason that their budget would limit them from buying all tickets. Olivia Lillith Drag artist, actor I would like to experience more acceptance towards diver- sity. I believe that 2023 should be the year when people focus more on sharing love rather than hate speech and judge- ments, particularly on social media. Furthermore, as a drag artist, I hope that 2023 brings with it a lot more opportunity for artists like myself to express ourselves in whichever way we choose. Emanuel Tabone Actor As 2022 comes to a close I can honestly say that 2023 will be welcomed with open arms. Every new year brings with it new goals and ambitions, how- ever 2023 will be extra special as it is the year, I will be fulfilling a dream move to America and build an acting career in the American market. After working on numerous productions in Malta, I have been shown how blessed I am with all that I have learnt and who I have learnt it from. We have some unbelievable talent on the island and 2023 will bring with it a test that I crave, to use all I've learnt and take my career to new heights. That being said the hardest part will be leaving my fami- ly behind, but their support is something that pushes me for- ward and gives me a sense of safety as I know that I will al- ways have them to turn to, no matter how far apart we may be. Luckily for me I will be taking this journey with my beautiful wife. She is my rock and my anchor as well as being my ab- solute gem of a partner. With this new adventure I hope the new year will bring with it all the opportunities available, the building blocks to build a beautiful life with my wife and the excitement of a prosperous future filled with love, risk and most of all life. Simone Spiteri Playwright, director and actor The greatest significant change I would like to see in 2023 is more tolerance. When you consider all of man's advancements, and at what rapid rate they have been made, I am shocked at how we are still so resistive to tolerance for the experiences, needs, and realities of others that may dif- fer from ours. This also applies to the envi- ronment around us. On a personal level, rather than change, I want and hope to continue growing, learning and sharing the things which make me who I am with those closest to me, those whom I love and respect. Lara Calleja Author and activist I want to see significant con- sideration given to bureaucratic procedures in police and courts. Many individuals are suffering as a result of the length and lack of resources in these processes. Mostly, people who are vic- tims of domestic abuse, as well as others in vulnerable situa- tions, who rely on, or are in- fluenced by, the state's lengthy processes. I would also like to start work- ing on other rhetoric when it comes to women. Despite the fact that the woman is a victim, and we have heard horror sto- ries in recent years. We must also begin working on a woman's rhetoric in which she is powerful, driven, and in- fluential. Women who are not afraid to be who they want to be. A con- fident woman who speaks what she wants and is not defined by anyone. This rhetoric should be avail- able to all women, regardless of age, education, or social stand- ing. This is something we can do through education, activi- ties, and other social and/or ed- ucational means. Kristiana Casha Actor When it comes to domestic violence legislation, it is where I would like to see the most change. Anyone whose occupation or line of work in any way puts them in touch with victims of domestic abuse should be given a thorough examination, in my opinion. In addition, I want the perpe- trators of this crime to face con- siderably heavier punishment and the victims to receive actual assistance. Unfortunately, we have not caught up enough in this regard. Garbage is another issue I have with this island. We must be prouder of what belongs to us and take better care of it. Michela Galea Singer, actor former Mss Malta Personally, I would like to have another year packed with more great experiences, both in the theatre and in music. Despite all of the tasks I have planned for this year, I would like to take some time for my- self and enjoy life in a more se- rene manner. In general, I would like us to be less judgmental and more cautious about what we say on social media. Finally, I would like to see more togetherness among all of us. Clockwise, from left to right: (top row) Simone Spiteri, Joseph Refalo; (second row) Drakard, Olivia Lilth, Julie Pomorski, Louis Andrew Cassar; (centre) Cherylis, Michela Galea, Lara Calleja, Mark Spiteri Lucas; (bottom row) Keith Demicoli, Kristiana Casha, Emanuel Tabone "We must also begin working on a woman's rhetoric in which she is powerful, driven, and influential"