Teatru Manoel’s artistic director Kenneth Zammit Tabona is delighted to announce an exciting theatrical line-up for December 2020, with both in-person and online showings.
Social-distancing measures are guaranteed, as is the theatre’s commitment to health, safety and sanitisation protocols.
“The festive season is always an exciting time for Teatru Manoel, and despite the
challenges of 2020, I’m happy to say that although the traditional panto has been
cancelled due to the COVID pandemic, the theatre has prepared a number of events to
compensate for this loss,” says Mr Zammit Tabona. “We’re adapting and innovating to
bring people some astounding pieces of creativity.”
A septet from the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra kicked off the December calendar with
An Evening with Beethoven, captivating viewers with two chamber works to celebrate
the composer’s 250 th birthday. Saturday, 5 th December follows with a contemporary
dance exploration of shared and personal space amid social isolation. Performed by
Contact Dance Company and choreographed by Francesca Tranter with concept, visuals
and music by Renzo Spiteri, The Murmuring of Trees promises to be an emotionally
charged evening.
On 6th December, Trio Immersio sponsored by the Austrian embassy will present two
concerts at 11.30am and 3pm respectively. The first features music by Viennese
composers Beethoven, Schubert and Brahms, while audiences of the second are
enveloped in Ravel’s early 20 th -century Paris, 1980s Vienna and present day. The time in
between the two concerts will allow the theatre to sanitise and the audience to enjoy a
good lunch.
On 18th , 19th and 20th December, the stage welcomes the much-loved A Christmas Carol.
Teatru Manoel and Masquerade Malta have joined forces to produce Ian Moore’s new
adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic tale. Festive cheer continues on 22 nd December
with Christmas with ViBE. Valletta Baroque Ensemble’s popular concert returns with the
magic of Baroque Christmases of yesteryear. ViBE is working with KorMalta and bass
Albert Buttigieg to perform music by the most celebrated Baroque masters.
Christmas at the Manoel – Project Cabaret is an intimate evening of Christmas memories
that tell of hope for the future. Directed by Zoe Alba Farrugia and Chantelle Micallef
Grimaud, audiences will be thrilled by classic songs and relatable, funny tales. Then,
between 29 th and 31 st December, A Christmas Swing Special with Nico Darmanin is a Teatru Manoel and FTZ Community Foundation celebration of one of Malta’s finest
tenors, directed by Kris Spiteri.
Teatru Manoel’s Toi Education Programme is also in full swing in December, with live
performances at 10am on Saturdays as part of the theatre’s commitment to supporting
young artists and theatregoers. The morning events are for small audiences and online
viewers.
On 5 th December, Playground Past Times (for ages 7+) is a dynamic show that uses dance
and crafts to help us learn about choices and free thinking. On 12 th December, Emme is a
learning-in-Maltese event that brings children aged 3 to 5 the adventures of Emme, a
baby merrill (blue rock thrush) who is bright and cheerful, but not always obedient.
On 19th December, Tommy and Tammy’s Christmas Tree! (for ages 0–2) encourages
parents to dress up their little ones in fabulous Christmas attire to celebrate Baby’s First
Christmas. And December also brings music for all ages when soprano Nicola Said
presents an inspirational introduction to Maltese song through Baroque works, as well
as those by Charles Camilleri, Joseph Vella and Alexander Vella Gregory.
“Our artists have created a December calendar brimming with variety and open
opportunities for Maltese artists and audiences,” beams Mr Zammit Tabona. “In 2020,
Malta’s artistic and cultural community has felt the impact of adversity, so I encourage
people to embrace theatre once again in the Manoel’s most challenging season. I thank
you for always supporting us – now let’s get the show on the road!”
For more information on Teatru Manoel’s December calendar and to book tickets, visit
www.teatrumanoel.com.mt, call on +356 2124 6389 or email on
bookings.mt@teatrumanoel.mt.
