The ADRC Trust has renewed it’s commitment to support Teatru Manoel’s Toi Toi Education Programme for the the 2nd term. The Trust was established by the Chalmers family in memory of their son and brother Alistair David Robert Chalmers, who died in 2012, aged just 31. The ADRC Trust seeks to support causes that were important to Alistair Chalmers – encouraging talent in the young, Hispanic studies, the visual and performing arts, and the heritage and environment of Malta and Scotland.
The Board of Protectors of the Trust identified Teatru Manoel as a beneficiary in its efforts to make music (classical and otherwise) more accessible to young children, and to encourage young talent in the performing arts.
Over the last few years, Teatru Manoel’s education programme ToiToi has grown substantially, with different areas varying from musical shows for children with the 022 and 325 shows as well as Teatru Manoel Youth Theatre and Teatru Manoel Youth Opera. The success of the latter groups is proven by their productions both locally and abroad. The renewal of the agreement coincides with Teatru Manoel Youth Opera’s production of Orpheus in The Underworld on the main stage at the theatre, while Teatru Manoel Youth Theatre are preparing to perform CLUB at the Traverse theatre in Edinburgh as part of the Chrysalis Festival.
Dr. Michael Grech, Chairman of Teatru Manoel, expressed his gratitude to the Chalmers’ family for their generous support and highlighted the significance of such patronage. He added how vital this is for the expansion of cultural education and outreach which the Theatre is continually striving to develop. Ray Attard, CEO of Teatru Manoel, added his thanks to the ADRC Trust and continued to emphasise the importance of external partnerships which are vital to Teatru Manoel fulfilling its mandate as the country’s national theatre.
The agreement was signed by The ADRC Trustees Roderick and Mary Rose Chalmers, Alistair’s parents, in the presence of their son Nick and his wife Julie and for Teatru Manoel by Michael Grech, Ray Attard, Kenneth Zammit Tabona and Arts Education Consultant Rosetta Debattista, who runs the Toi Toi Education programme.
