Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/506094
VII This week maltatoday, SUNDAY, 3 MAY 2015 Download the MaltaToday App now The Malta Council for Science and Technology cordially invites you to attend a seminar on the EU Joint Research Centre (JRC), on the 12 of May 2015, at 08.30hrs, at Villa Bighi, Kalkara. The seminar is intended for academics, researchers, industry players and students who would like to learn more about ongoing collaborations between Malta and the JRC, and who would like information on the various temporary and permanent placements and training opportunities offered by the JRC for scientific and technical people. Participants are kindly requested to confirm their attendance by email to Ms. Laura Sue Armeni at laurasue.armeni@gov.mt by 8 May 2015. Information Seminar on the EU Joint Research Centre Malta Council for Science & Technology , Villa Bighi, Kalkara KKR 1320 www.mcst.gov.mt GREAT SIEGE ROAD, FLORIANA MALTA Untitled-1 1 28/04/2015 10:42 'Maltese theatre has come a long way' Young actress Maxine Aquilina speaks to TEODOR RELJIC about FM Theatre's new production of Leonard Gershe's Butterflies are Free, in which she will be taking on the role of Jill – popularized by Goldie Hawn in the 1972 film version What were some of the main reasons you decided to pursue drama? I love the feeling I get when I perform. I enjoy every part of a show. Starting from rehearsing to the long technical rehears- als in the theatre to the final performance. It's when I am at my happiest. What motivates you to continue acting? The learning experience. I love that I learn so much from every show I take part in. I have per- formed in various types of theatre and have learnt different styles of acting and techniques from each one. The greatest thing is that you never stop learning. How would you compare this play to previous productions you have been part of? This is the second 'straight' play I have performed in and must be the most challenging role I have played. My character is a complex one, even though she may not seem so. It's a lovely romantic comedy, which is a first for me also. Do you feel any extra pressure, taking on a role from such a long running play, and which has since even been embodied by Goldie Hawn for a film version? How did you prepare for it? I do feel under pressure though not because of the film. The last time this play was produced, Ma- rika Fenech (Mercieca) played my character, Jill. I have big boots to fill! I prepare by doing a lot of work on the text, breaking it down and understanding my thought proc- ess and character journey as my character. Playing with different physicalities and researching the period it is set in… plus learning lines as quickly as possible! How do you feel about the Maltese theatrical scene? What would you change about it? I think Maltese theatre has come along way even from when I was younger. The standard of perform- ances have improved and there are so many talented perform- ers. I would want to change the way the theatres are run. I would want the state theatres to be more transparent administratively and run by people who have theatre experience. What's next for you? Up next for me is Steve Hili's Adult Panto Jack & His Beanstalk. I've never been in an Adult Panto before and expect it's going to be quite silly and quite naughty, but lots of fun! Butterflies are Free will be staged at St James Cavalier, Valletta on May 22, 24; 28- 31 and June 4-7. The rest of the cast includes Marika Fenech, Luke Mercieca, Maxine Aquilina and Jimmy Monaghan. The play is directed by Stephen Oliver Maxine Aquilina: "State theatres should be more administratively transparent and run by people who have theatre experience" The cast of Butterflies are Free, from left: Luke Mercieca, Marika Fenech, Jimmy Monaghan and Maxine Aquilina Mediterranean Conference Centre hosts the First Malta International Dance Competition The Mediterranean Conference Centre hosted the first Malta Inter- national Dance Competition which between March 27 and 31. This international event attracted 1,100 applicants for the competition and over 300 students for the work- shops conducted by a distinguished team of international teachers in the various dance disciplines. The historic Mediterranean Conference Centre was turned into a Dance Centre where various spaces were temporary converted into dance studios which were profes- sionally equipped with dance floors, barres, mirrors and pianos. Dance competitions were held over three days and were judged by an international jury. Winners were awarded medals, trophies, scholar- ships and bursaries. The international visiting guests highly praised the warm welcome and professional setup of the Mediterranean Conference Centre, which is unique in its historical and cultural values as well as its loca- tion within Valletta and the Grand Harbour.