Teatru Manoel Turns 291! Six Facts About Europe’s Oldest Fully Functioning Theatre
Teatru Manoel, Europe’s oldest fully-functioning theatre, is celebrating its 291st birthday, and what better way to appreciate its glory than some facts of its rich history!
The origins
Valletta’s crown jewel was commissioned and personally funded by Grand Master Manoel de Vilhena.
The Portuguese Grandmaster’s playhouse was built in 1731, just ten months after construction began as a public theatre to keep young knights out of mischief with “honest entertainment”. In fact, the Teatro Pubblic’s motto “ad honestam populi oblectationem” is inscribed into the humble facade.
The kick-off performance
In January 1732, the theatre hosted its first performance, a tragedy called Merope, which was written by Italian playwriter and author Scippione Maffei in 1714.
It was directed and designed by the Knights` chief architect, Francois Mondion, while the roles were played by the Knights themselves.
British take-over
The British not only brought a new ruling to the islands but a change of aesthetics, particularly for the Manoel Theatre.
A completely fresh interior was introduced, with wood covering the entire chamber as well as the addition of an aisle and two side passages. Since then, multiple in-depth renovations have brought it back to its full glory as Malta’s national theatre.
Multi-functional theatre
The theatre has played host to a number of productions: including famous operas, plays, masked balls and even a cinema in the 1920s.
During the late 1800s however, the theatre fell into total disuse, and became an emergency shelter during World War II.
Malta’s cultural gem
As Malta’s national theatre, the Manoel continues to carry out its mission through the centuries: to entertain, inform and educate by acting as a sublime cultural catalyst.
Every annual season is jam-packed with performances, concerts, recitals, operas, dramas, musicals, dance, an annual baroque festival and an education programme.
Experience the theatre for yourself
Do you want to experience the theatre in an excitingly fresh way? Book your tickets to an exclusive tour here.
In collaboration with House of Tours, the event provides guests with innovative, educational and fun ways to view Malta’s landmarks, hidden treasures, curiosities and tales.
Happy birthday Teatru Manoel!
To celebrate, here’s a Lovin Malta video on the beautiful theatre, made back in 2018.
Tag someone you need to get a tour with!
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