Tuesday 19 March 2024

Session 2, Perit Chris Briffa – The Salesians Theatre, Sliema


In keeping with its remit to promote awareness and sensitive re-use of Malta’s architectural heritage, Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar (FAA) is organising a series of four lectures showing our heritage sustainably remodelled and renewed.

Perit Chris Briffa will present his project at Teatru Salesjan in Sliema, built as a classic proscenium arch theatre 110 years ago, and now fostering interest in the performing arts for younger people, nurturing local talent and involving the community.

Perit Briffa will explain the dramatic architectural overhaul, as Teatru Salesjan continues its transformation into one of Malta’s most exciting contemporary theatre spaces, with a clear focus on maintaining the strong community spirit, which the theatre embodies.

Alphonse Maria Galea funded a building that remains today closely intertwined to Sliema residents.  However modernisation has required the stage to grow, the bar to move location and seats to be replaced. Equally, the shows have evolved from local productions to international artists and companies performing on its stage.

There stands a clear focus to modernise the historic building while preserving and restoring many of its original features, some of which have been lost over the years. The theatre auditorium will retain its historic proscenium arch, which boasts a 1910 fresco by Giuseppe Calì, while creating a new moving stage. The building will also gain two new performance spaces – a 100-seat black-box theatre and an outdoor stage at roof level – as well as an accessible entrance and foyer, bar and backstage areas.

The design is a statement in itself. Join us at this lecture to share what superb contemporary design looks like when it comes to a building as historic as the Salesian Theatre.

VENUE: Hotel Phoenicia, Floriana DATE: Wednesday 22 May 2019 TIME: 6:30pm BOOKINGS: ticketengine.faa.org.mt

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