Minister for the National Heritage the Arts and Local Government Owen Bonnici announced the completion of a wide-ranging restoration project of the Priory of Navarra with an investment of €1.7 million. The upgrades encompass a new Booking Office and a refurbished Sala Isouard which now includes a multi-functional meeting space and can also be used for conferences and smaller concerts and recitals.
During an official visit, Minister Bonnici, who was accompanied by Dr Michael Grech, the Chairperson of Teatru Manoel, Acting CEO Edward Zammit and Artistic Director Adrian Mamo, said that the unveiling of the newly transformed Priory of Navarra is a significant milestone for preserving our cultural heritage and promoting the arts.
“The substantial €1.7 million investment showcases a commitment to enhancing cultural spaces. This restoration project was important to provide a better experience for the Maltese people and tourists,” Minister Bonnici explained.
Minister Bonnici announced the future plans for the Priory including the opening of Teatru Manoel’s cafeteria and the installation of a lift system that leads to all floors within the main theatre. He concluded that the inclusion of this lift will make the theatre fully accessible for the first time in the theatre’s history.
Teatru Manoel’s Chairperson, Dr Michael Grech stated that Teatru Manoel is working extensively and undergoing restructuring to improve its operation and to improve the public’s and the artists’ experience.
Teatru Manoel’s Acting CEO, Edward Zammit stated, “We aim to offer varied experiences in the Teatru Manoel Complex. This new hall offers a space for meetings and conferences that can be combined with a theatrical experience offering a truly unique experience. These kinds of events can provide additional investment for the Theatre, that can eventually be reinvested into the artistic programme.”
The opening of the renovated Priory comes just in time for the launch of the theatre’s 2023/24 artistic season. The upcoming season boasts a variety of performances from musicals like the iconic Grease to Mozart’s very first opera Apollo et Hycanthus. There will also be 26 original productions by TOI TOI; classics such as the annual Christmas pantomime; a number of collaborations with organisations such as ŻiguŻajg and the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra; community projects, and much more.
“This season we are working to continue adding to the artistic value and improving on the quality of our productions. We have a varied programme coming up that is bound to meet everyone’s taste, from classical music to plays in Maltese and English, dance, and musical amongst others,” stated Artistic Director Adrian Mamo.
For more information on Teatru Manoel’s artistic season, and to book tickets, visit teatrumanoel.mt or stop by the Box Office at the Priory of Navarra.
