Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1524836
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 4 AUGUST 2024 4 ALMANAC My essentials PAUL PORTELLI 60, teacher, actor I'm a founder member of local theatre group, Theatre Anon but I also freelance with other companies in both theatre and film. I am very excited to be involved in the local cultural sector which is seeing something of a rebirth in recent years. Productions and audiences seem to be increasing. I particularly enjoy watching more and more young people getting involved. 1. Books 2. Film 3. Internet/TV 4. Music 5. Place I listen to anything but one of my go-to favourites is Arvo Pärt. I came across a clip on YouTube of Björk interview- ing Arvo Pärt which I highly recommend. In this interview Björk describes how in his mu- sic he makes each and every note resonate and that he does not need a hundred billion notes to in his pieces. It's a les- son for life that it's not about doing a lot but more about do- ing the few things and spend- ing time with the few people who mean something to us. POSSIBLY Gozo or Sicily. I seem to have lost the trav- el bug some years back and though I still enjoy experi- encing new places I seem to get something out of Gozo and Sicily which is different and, in some ways, particu- larly special. HARUKI Murakami's After Dark. I love his work because he makes me laugh and because his work in- trigues me, and his words never fail to surprise me. His books are al- ways stylish and graceful and give me a view of life from a completely different, almost alien perspective. I also enjoyed my brother's book, The Order, immensely. A fresh take on an old familiar favourite. I have recently rewatched Ken- neth Branagh's Wallander. I love its rhythm, its pace and its wonderful portrayal of hu- manity. I am a Branagh fan, but I'm also particularly drawn to crime thrillers and Scandi- navian film and TV. The orig- inal Wallender series is Scan- dinavian. I watch loads of stuff about rewilding. It hurts that we seem to be living in a coun- try that has divorced itself from nature. On the other hand, I am completely fas- cinated by the digital age but equally saddened and apprehensive because we have no idea of where it's leading us to. I do not be- lieve I would feel very safe living amongst people who need an app that tells them how to boil an egg. Compiled by Laura Calleja suggestions by email lcalleja@mediatoday.com This page is supported by Arts Council Malta 4 5 1 2 3