A stroke of genius

Readers of The Times today, 25 October, brought to our attention a commentary written by Candidus II in the section On the Dot under the section Cultured- a most fitting title for the distinctive cultural footprint of Teatru Astra and all of its initiatives. We are accompanying this item with the latest photos form Teatru Astra's stage which is currently bustling with rehersals and activity round the clock.

It is good to note that Astra Theatre of Gozo has offered 200 students up to 25-years-old discounted tickets for the production of Verdi’s La Traviata for Thursday’s and Saturday’s performances. The idea is to encourage students to learn how to appreciate this type of artistic musical event. One hopes that if it proves to be a success, the next time around, the age limited will be rounded off to 30. The idea of holding a workshop at St Margaret’s College, Cottonera, was a stroke of genius.

Marco Gandini is the artistic director of La Traviata which will kicks off the ninth edition of Festival Mediterranea with a double performance of the opera this Thursday and Saturday. Mro Joseph Vella is musical director.  More information on La Traviata or any of Festival Mediterranea events may be obtained from 21550985 or [email protected] .

La Traviata and Festival Mediterranea are organised by Teatru Astra in collaboration with Bank of Valletta, Malta Tourism Authority, Vodafone Malta Foundation, the Malta Council for Culture and the Arts, the Ministry for Gozo and the Ministry for Finance, the Economy and Investment. The opera and the festival would not be possible without the support of various other corporate sponsorships.

26-10-2010