From Thursday 16th to Sunday 19th May Teatru Manoel is dedicated solely to two very different community projects using culture as a means to not only entertain but to raise awareness about important social issues.
“Reason for the Season” – Children’s Show
The first project has been devised by Teatru Manoel, in collaboration with St. Clare’s College, San Miguel Primary Education Resource Centre which provides education to pupils with PMLD (profound and multiple learning difficulties) . Funded by Kreattiv, this is a multi-sensory theatrical adventure featuring Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and incorporates live music, actors and puppets. Of the six performances taking place from Thursday 16th to Saturday 18th May, four of them are specifically for pupils from St. Clare’s College and two on Saturday 18th May (9.30am and 11.30am) are open to the public. The proceeds from both these shows go to St. Clare’s College.
“Pretty Lisa” – domestic violence theatre project
The second project, partly funded by the Malta Arts Fund, is titled “Pretty Lisa” and is a theatre project whose aim is to voice out loud the horrific situations victims of domestic violence go through. The work has been devised and inspired by real stories narrated by women who have survived or are in the process of surviving these tragic experiences. This bilingual performance intends to challenge stereotypes that have been generated around this theme in the hope that it will encourage deeper awareness towards what constitutes domestic violence. Sharon Bezzina, Magda Van Kuilenburg and Daniela Vassallo interpret the characters of three women with diverse experiences of domestic violence. Their ensemble piece of theatre will retell these dangerous tribulations through powerful physical imagery accompanied by their downright confessions. Directed by Marcelle Teuma the performance is on Sunday 19th May 2013 at 8pm. Tickets are all €12 and proceeds go to Dar Qalb ta’ Gesu, St. Venera (Shelter for victims of domestic violence).
Ray Attard, Teatru Manoel’s CEO stated, “Teatru Manoel is extremely pleased to be able to facilitate and mentor these two very important and innovative projects. It is very important for us to provide this opportunity of using the creative talents we have, as well as our facilities, in order to give something back to the community. In these cases we are providing a stimulating theatrical experience to young people who would usually find it difficult to attend the theatre. With the second project we are providing our stage to highlight this important social issue to strengthen the hope for a way out for those who end up victims of domestic abuse. All proceeds from both these projects go back to the respective organisations so I encourage the public to support both wholeheartedly”.
To book for the events go to www.teatrumanoel.com.mt email bookings@teatrumanoel.com.mt or telephone 2124 6389.
