Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1532358
8 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 12 FEBRUARY 2025 ARTS COSTANTINO Films has announced the staging of Novecento at the Manoel The- atre, Alessandro Baricco's cap- tivating monologue that tells the extraordinary story of a pianist who lived his entire life aboard an ocean liner. The play, which inspired the cinematic master- piece The Legend of 1900 direct- ed by Giuseppe Tornatore and starring Tim Roth, will be per- formed at the Manoel Theatre in Italian with English surtitles on 22nd and 23rd February. It is directed by the accomplished Daniela Ardini. Novecento recounts the life of its protagonist, a gifted pianist born and raised on the Virgin- ian. He never sets foot on land, instead finding freedom and purpose at sea, enchanting pas- sengers with his extraordinary music. Told through the eyes of a close friend, this poetic and thought-provoking monologue explores themes of identity, freedom, and the interplay be- tween reality and imagination. Alessia Bonnici, a rising star in Malta's music scene, blend- ing classical piano with innova- tive projects, will be delivering the piano performance. As an artist on the autism spectrum, Alessia finds her voice through music, transcending traditional communication barriers. Alessia is currently reading for her Diploma in Piano at the Malta School of Music while pursuing her musical career. The play's narrator and pro- tagonist, Tim Tooney, will be portrayed by Giovanni Costan- tino, an accomplished actor with an extensive portfolio of leading roles in Italy's fore- most theaters. Costantino was co-protagonist and directed by Academy Award winner Li- na Wertmüller in The Clever Widow by Carlo Goldoni. He has also been the protago- nist in numerous other produc- tions, including The Trial by Kafka, Brothers Karamazov by Dostoevskij, Mastro Don Ge- sualdo by Giovanni Verga, and The Lonesome West by Martin McDonagh. His versatility and profound ability to bring com- plex characters to life ensure a compelling and unforgettable performance in Novecento. Speaking about the initia- tive, Giovanni Costantino of Costantino Films said: "With Novecento, we aim to build a bridge between Italian and Maltese cultural excellence. This production is not just a celebration of a literary and theatrical gem, but also an op- portunity to foster professional collaboration and spark dia- logue on themes that resonate universally, such as identity and belonging." The production embodies a shared commitment to cul- tural enrichment and social awareness, uniting audienc- es through a timeless story brought to life on stage. Novecento is supported by Supported by Arts Council Malta, Italian Embassy, Isti- tuto Italiano di Cultura a Val- letta, Com.It.Es, L-Universi- tà Tà Malta Faculty of Arts, M.A. Film Studies, The Island of Malta & Sicily Foundation, Italiani.it Foundation, Acca- demia Italiana della Cucina. Puttinu Cares Foundation will be supported through this event. For further information about the show, including dates and ticket availability, please visit https://booking.teatrumanoel. mt/event/7214/novecento or contact costantinofilms@ gmail.com Manoel Theatre to host Alessandro Baricco's Novecento: A Poetic Journey Across the Ocean THE Higher National Diploma in Tourist Guiding students at the Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS) have launched Through Time: A Photographic Explora- tion of Malta, an exhibition that will be on display at the Ramla Bay Resort, Mellieħa, Malta until 15 February, 2025. This unique exhibition, guid- ed by ITS lecturer Tara Darma- nin, showcases an intriguing blend of past and present. The students have meticu- lously researched historical photographs of Malta and cap- tured modern-day images of the same locations, offering visitors a compelling visual journey through the island's transformation over time. Through Time is a must-see for history enthusiasts, pho- tography lovers, and anyone eager to explore Malta from a fresh perspective. Don't miss the opportunity to experience this remarkable collection and witness the evo- lution of Malta's landscapes and heritage through the eyes of future tourist guides. Through Time: A Photographic Exploration of Malta – An exhibition by ITS tourist guiding students From left: Alessia Bonnici, Giovanni Costantino and Daniela Ardini