Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1534411
9 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 16 APRIL 2025 CULTURE Austrian TV production shines a spotlight on Gozo THE popular Austrian cooking show Silvia kocht has returned to the Maltese Islands for a sec- ond time – this time focusing its lens on the charm, flavours and landscapes of Gozo. Filming took place between 22 and 25 March. The shoot began with a sce- nic ferry crossing from Malta to Gozo, capturing first impressions of the island. Key filming locations included Villa Rundle gardens, the winding streets of Victoria and the historic Citadel and its cathedral. One culinary highlight was a pic- turesque picnic overlooking the iconic Fungus Rock in Dwejra, featuring fresh local ingredients prepared by Gozo Picnic. Anoth- er standout moment saw Execu- tive Chef Havi prepare tradition- al dishes – fish soup and stuffed artichokes with octopus – at the terrace of the Country Terrace restaurant, offering breathtaking views of Mġarr Harbour. Adding an adventurous twist, Silvia took part in a climbing session with Gozo Adventures, showcasing the island's natural beauty and outdoor experiences. The warmth of the Gozitan peo- ple and the island's unique charm left a lasting impression on the en- tire film crew. Currently in its fifth season, Silvia kocht is one of the most- watched daytime programmes on Austrian national broadcaster ORF2. Host Silvia Schneider has cooked alongside top chefs from Austria and abroad, taking view- ers on culinary journeys well be- yond Austria's borders. This latest production in Gozo was made possible through the in- itiative of the Malta Tourism Au- thority's office in Austria. Maltese cuisine will be featured on ORF2 from 6 to 10 October 2025, culminating in the Gozo ep- isode airing on 10 October. The popular Austrian cooking show Silvia kocht has returned to the Maltese Islands for a second time (Photo: Juraj Melicher / ORF) Award-winning Sondheim musical 'Into the Woods' to be staged at Teatru Manoel this May BE careful what you wish for… This May, step into the mag- ical and twisted world of your favourite Brothers Grimm fairy tales, in an exciting produc- tion of Stephen Sondheim's award-winning musical; 'Into the Woods'. The Teatru Ma- noel stage will transform into a fairytale forest in this produc- tion of 'Into the Woods' direct- ed by Lucienne Camilleri, with musical direction by Ryan Paul Abela and production design by Matthew Cassar. 'Into the Woods' is a 1987 multiple-award winning mu- sical with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by James Lapine. The musical de- buted in San Diego at the Old Globe Theatre in 1986 and pre- miered on Broadway in 1987, where it won three major Tony Awards. The story of 'Into the Woods' intertwines the plots of several well-known Broth- ers Grimm fairy tales, featuring characters such as Little Red Riding Hood, Jack (from Jack and the Beanstalk), Rapunzel, and Cinderella, among many more. The musical explores the character's deepest desires and wishes, their ambitions, and the dangers they cross and peo- ple they meet on their journeys towards fulfilment. As director Lucienne Camilleri describes, this story offers an insight in- to "the human psyche, and its obsessive desire to want what seems unattainable only to find that we didn't really desire it after all". This production of 'Into the Woods' boasts a formidable cast, with Dorothy Bezzina as the witch, Joel Parnis as the baker, Rachel Fabri as the bak- er's wife, Thomas Camilleri and Ryan Grech as the Princes, Gianluca Cilia as Jack, Nadia Vella as Cinderella, and Ste- phen Oliver as the narrator, amongst many other talented performers. 'Into the Woods' runs for two weekends between the 9th and the 18th May at Teatru Manoel, with various starting times including morning and matinee shows. The run-time is roughly 2 hours and 45 min- utes including an interval. For more information on showtimes and ticket prices, and to book your tickets, vis- it https://teatrumanoel.mt/ event/into-the-woods/ or call the Teatru Manoel Box Office at +356 2124 6389