Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/788859
maltatoday, SUNDAY, 19 FEBRUARY 2017 This Week 33 This year's edition of Carnival will begin paving the way for the 'Carnival Project', while also reviving some traditions that have "fizzled out" in the recent past. This was announced by the Artistic Director for the Carnival, Jason Busuttil, during a press conference which also unveiled the official programme of events for this year's Carnival in Malta and Gozo. The Carnival Project will serve as a culmination for the hard work done by plenty of local carnival enthusiasts, and will also encompass work done for the Carnival Village which is being constructed in Marsa. Work on the Malta Carnival Experience will start in the coming weeks after all necessary permits were approved by the Planning Authority. At the moment preparatory work is being carried out. Elaborating on the Carnival Project, Busuttil described it as "a process which took three years of meticulous planning and dedication from all those involved," and one that is financed by European Union funds (ERDF), "which means we have to abide by its rules". "The main aim for the Carnival Village is to have activities running throughout the year. You'll surely hear more about it in the near future," Busuttil said. He added that in May Malta will also host the annual convention of the Federation European Carnival Cities, which will bring to Malta delegates from over 20 countries. This is the fourth time Malta will organise such an important event. This year's Carnival, Busuttil added, is bringing back to life some old traditions which had fizzled out in the past years. These are mainly the participations of decorated carts and karrozzini as well as band marches. Satire is also on the increase. "Satire has increased a lot. Since Malta has the EU Presidency, we have a float dedicated to it designed by renowned cartoonist Steve Bell and constructed by the Maltese Carnival participants. Carnival is also spreading into other localities with presentations of the main activities also improving," Busuttil said. Carnival is also currently being celebrated at the Science Interactive Centre in Kalkara thanks to Carnival@Esplora, the final day of which is today. Carnival beings on February 23 in Pjazza Teatru Rjal with an opening ceremony and speeches. Soon after there will be an exhibition of the competing costumes. The next day – until February 28 – there will be a defilè of floats, grotesque masks and dance competitions. For the first time this year, after Saturday's activities which end around 20:00, there will be a street theatre performance – 'B'Tal-Linja Jaqbillek' in St George's Square, Qarċilla, marching bands and an exhibition of decorated carts and karrozzini. After last year's success, Ħamrun will celebrate Carnival on Sunday morning, with at least five bands marching along the streets accompanied by a number of floats. On Monday and Tuesday dance schools will parade in Valletta's streets. Carnival will end on Tuesday night with the grand defilé in St Anne's Street in Floriana. Carnival will also be celebrated in these localities thanks to their local councils: Zabbar, Għaxaq, Qormi, St Julian's, Dingli and Naxxar. Seating will be available for events at St George's Square. Tickets can be purchased online from https://www. showshappening.com/. The event will also be covered live on TVM on Saturday morning, Sunday from 14:00 till 20:00 and Tuesday from 18:00 until 21:30. WHAT'S ON (February 24 and 25) and 17:00 (February 26). Under artistic direction of Jean-Marc Cafa, with Robyn Vella, Nikki Demajo Albanese (Production managers), Francesco Grech (Music composition and direction), Andrew Micallef (Puppet and set design), Andrew Micallef, Daniel Galea, Samantha Cassar Ellis, Alex Weenink (Construction of puppet and set), Victoria Gatt (Artwork), Luke Abela (Deputy stage manager). Bookings: https:// bitly.com/. FEBRUARY 28; MARCH 2, 4, 6 Le Nozze di Figaro Modern update of the classic opera Le Nozze di Figaro "for the age of Brexit and Trump" at the Manoel Theatre, Valletta at 19:30. Directed by Jack Furness and conducted by Philip Walsh with the collaboration of the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra and set design by Pierre Portelli. Bookings: http://bit.ly/2lnuK0W. CARNIVAL FEBRUARY 23-28 Karnival ta' Malta Annual celebration of carnival. Taking place in various venues around Valletta under the direction of Jason Busuttil. FILM SCREENINGS FEBRUARY 22 Kinemastik Film Club: The Model Couple Kinemastik Film Club returns for a new season at The Royal British Legion, Melita Street, Valletta at 20:00. The first round of films of the season will be curated by Roxanne Gatt and the first film out of the gate is The Model Couple (dir. William Klein). There is no entrance fee but visitors will be asked to join the Kinemastik Film Club against a nominal fee. FEBRUARY 26 Imitosis Film Nights: Austin Powers Screening of Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery (dir. Jay Roach) at The Hole in the Wall, Sliema at 19:30. PUBLIC TALK FEBRUARY 21 Tuesday Talks: [Un]Framing Pasmore's Works Sociologically Talk by sociologist Dr Valerie Visanich at the Victor Pasmore Gallery, Valletta at 18:30. Visanich will address, redefine and, ultimately, present alternatives to engaging with Pasmore's artistic output through an analysis of the socio-economic and cultural conditions, particularly prevalent during his time in Malta in the latter half of the twentieth century. Throughout the lecture, Dr Visanich shall also introduce the socio-personal relations that interlaced throughout every aspect of artist Victor Pasmore's life and career, particularly the instrumental role and presence of his wife and muse, Wendy Blood. book at www.madc.com.mt or email: bookings@madc.com.mt or SMS 7777 6232 The Salesian Theatre 17/18/19 March 2017 Teatru Manoel 23/24/25/26 March 2017 The timeless comedy by Oliver Goldsmith BOOKING NOW OPEN Carnival 2017 starts Thursday, paves way for Carnival Project Carnival in Valletta to run from February 23 to 28 while also taking place in Zabbar, Ghaxaq, Qormi, St Julian's, Dingli and Naxxar Carnival float from the 2016 edition of the Valletta Carnival CARNIVAL PROGRAMME OF EVENTS FEBRUARY 23 AT 17:30 Opening Ceremony of Malta Carnival 2017 activities at Pjazza Teatru Rjal, Valletta. FEBRUARY 24 AT 17:30 Dance competitions at St George's Square and Carnival defilè consisting of the King Carnival float, satirical floats, grotesque masks and Dancing Companies Floats Section A (tickets at €5). FEBRUARY 25 09:30: Children's Carnival at St George's Square, Valletta (tickets at €5) 15:00: Dance Competition at St George's Square, Valletta together with the Grand Defilé performance (tickets at €10) 19:00: Hilarious Carnival including the traditional Qarcilla, street theatre performance 'B'Tal-Linja Jaqbillek Zgur' and a lot more at St George's Square FEBRUARY 26 09:30: Carnival Band Parade in High Street, Hamrun 13:00: Carnival Floats Parade at Castille Place, Valletta. The parade will proceed along Merchant's Street to St George's Square and then along Republic Street 14:30: Special Sunday afternoon Carnival Grand Show at St George's Square, Valletta (tickets at €12) 20:30: Triq it-Tarag at DuwiBalli, Valletta FEBRUARY 27 10:00: Dance School's Carnival Parade followed by a dance show at St George's Square, Valletta 10:00: Triq it-Tara at DuwiBalli, Valletta 16:00: Dance Competition Programme followed by the Grand Defilé at St George's Square, Valletta (tickets at €7) FEBRUARY 28 10:00: Dancing School's Carnival Parade followed by a dance show at Pjazza Teatru Rjal, Valletta. 18:00: Grand Finale at St Anne's Street with the participation of all carnival floats and general merriment