Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1509248
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 8 OCTOBER 2023 6 ALMANAC My essentials CAROLINE CLEGG Stage Director Brought up on a farm but born to perform and direct, I began as a musical theatre actress in the West End, on TV and film prior to starting my own theatre company and becoming a director. My opera career began at Welsh National Opera in 1997 and I have now worked internationally for 30 years sharing great stories and teaching. 4 5 1. Book 2. Film 3. Internet 4. Music 5. Place I don't follow a particular blogger or social media in- fluencer, but I am an avid supporter of wildlife and environmental conservation following Sir Richard Atten- borough, supporting Green- peace campaigns, Compas- sion in World Farming and I am a committed vegan. Blue Planet on TV is inspiring and frightening in equal measure, but my guilty internet pleas- ure is being distracted with cute cat videos and animal rescue happy endings. I love dramatic music and great storytellers: Miriam Make- ba, Lady Gaga, Ella Fitzger- ald, Eva Cassidy, and Bruce Springsteen. Rachmaninov, Bernstein, Kurt Weil, Puccini and my favourite Verdi opera 'Rigoletto' - end of act 2 Si Vendetta Tremenda Vendet- ta always chilling me to the bone. I'm currently learning the Liverpool Oratorio by Paul McCartney and Carl Davies for my production in Cincin- nati in 2024 but the song I can't live without is What A Wonderful World by Louie Armstrong – sheer beauty. TEATRU Manoel, Old The- atre Street, (with coffee from De Bono café at no 33a). Built in 1731, Manoel is stunning- ly beautiful and steeped in an inspirational and rich cultural history. If you are as lucky as I am to stay in the apartment whilst working there you can almost hear the voices and mu- sic of the past influencing great shows for the 21st Century. The main-stage innovator Adrian Mamo and the Toi Toi pro- gramme from Kate Fenech are world class. LESSONS in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus A Christmas present from an artist friend this is Garmus's triumphant first novel. The main protagonist, Elizabeth Zott is a scientist in 1960s America when equality in the home and workplace is still decades off! But Zott triumphs with her blend of science and cookery on daytime TV in- spiring legions of housewives to kick out the status quo. It is life affirming, refreshingly honest and a great lesson in perseverance for anyone of us no matter what age! MRS Harris Goes to Paris by Anthony Fabian A charming film about wid- owed cleaning lady Harris (Lesley Manville) in 1950s London who falls madly in love with a couture Dior dress and decides she must have one of her own. Cine- matography is exquisite with lingering scenes not exces- sive sharp cuts. It urges us to hold onto and work for our dreams; the scene back home at the dance with friend Vio- let, (Ellen Thomas) remind- ing us of that family and community really matter. 2 Compiled by Laura Calleja suggestions by email lcalleja@mediatoday.com 1 3 This article is supported by Arts Council Malta