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maltatoday | SUNDAY • 23 FEBRUARY 2025 4 ALMANAC My essentials ANDRÉ AGIUS 29, profession – Media production manager André Agius's education includes an MFA in Directing from Edinburgh Napier University, a BA in Theatre Studies from the University of Malta, and training at Rose Bruford College, Odin Teatret, and Facing-the-Gap Workshops. Mainstage directing credits include Harold Pinter's The Hot House for Teatru Malta, Ibsen's Peer Gynt with the National Philharmonic Orchestra, and Saving Mr Ultimate at the 2021 Edinburgh Fringe. André has also worked as Assistant Producer at the Royal Lyceum Theatre's Wonder Festival and won 'Young Artist of the Year' at Malta's National Arts Awards. 1. Book 2. Film 3. Internet/TV 4. Podcast 5. Place I'VE recently gotten a lot more in- to podcasts. One day my partner was listening to a podcast, and I was working in another room. I got so into the podcast she was listening to, that I stopped work- ing and just listened in. The pod- cast was I-weigh by Jameela Ja- mil. Jameela is an English actress, presenter, and activist (you've probably seen her in The Good Place) and her podcast is fantas- tic because it challenges societal norms through conversations, amplifying and empowering di- verse voices in an accessible way to celebrate progress, not per- fection. One particular podcast was with actor, singer and author Billy Porter, and for any emerging artists reading this, that is the ep- isode to start from! THIS is a tough one. I think a breezy summer evening by the sea in Marsalforn with a straw- berry granita, the smell of salt and the sound of crashing waves is defi- nitely one of my favour- ite places to be. Last year though, as we were walk- ing through the botanic gardens here in Edin- burgh, we came across this particular bench off the beaten track of the gardens, completely en- gulfed by the plants and trees surrounding it. We sat there, and it was just so peaceful and tranquil, that it's now one of my favourite places. A book I read in the last year was Barbara Bonansea's bi- ography Il Mio Calcio (which translates to my style of foot- ball). I am an avid football fan and a Juventino and in her book Barbara has documented her perspective on the rise of woman's football within Italy within the last 10 years. She does so through her journey as a female Italian footballer within what's still a heavily patriarchal game – not only on the pitch, but also those who ultimately make the rules and the decisions. She really focuses on the divide that still separates male Italian football compared to the female one, and the struggles and inequal- ities not only in pay but also in A film that I rewatched recently was Steven Spielberg's The Ter- minal - I try to rewatch this film from time to time but not too regularly. This was my grand- ma's favourite film. We would rewatch it, and I would marvel at the fact that she still used to find it funny and moving. It re- minds me of her, but the film's message is also a great reminder, that 'home' isn't a physical place but people and memories; and that everything happens for a reason – it's great to have a goal or a target but you might be in this particular position at the moment, because you need to learn or understand something about yourself that will make that goal or target more attain- able, just like Tom Hanks' char- acter. I find it overwhelming to choose something to watch with the sheer number of op- tions available on platforms like Netflix and Disney Plus. On-demand TV has become a dominant force in recent years, but I worry that this abundance of choice might negatively affect other forms of entertainment. However, there are positive changes too – many theatres have adapted by re-evaluating their models, mission statements, and how they collaborate with free- lancers and the private sector. They've become more inclu- sive, diverse, transparent, and open in their approach. Compiled by Laura Calleja suggestions by email lcalleja@mediatoday.com 4 5 1 2 3 MaltaToday is supported by Arts Council Malta