Teatru Manoel is preparing to welcome back audiences with COVID-19 in mind, the theatre announced today.

As restrictions surrounding the global COVID-19 pandemic are gradually being lifted, the theatre is busy preparing a number of performances around a ‘new normal’.

Artistic Director at Teatru Manoel, Kenneth Zammit Tabona, said although regulations regarding what was permitted to do at the theatre were initially stringent, they are gradually being officially relaxed, and so the theatre remains flexible, adapting as new information is received from the authorities.

“Sadly, dramatic works are not feasible at the moment as actors cannot physically interact, but we live day to day hoping that the pandemic will lose its sting and enable us to function as a temple of the arts once more.”

Mr Zammit Tabona adds that uncertainty still surrounds the upcoming theatre season and annual Baroque Festival, due to take place in January 2021.

“Since the situation is still rapidly changing regarding the pandemic, it is impossible to predict how it may impact the upcoming theatre season,” he explains. “Nevertheless, we have planned a number of performances like piano recitals, chamber music,  jazz and lieder and operatic recitals that can open as soon as permitted, and the Baroque Festival is set to be better than ever if it can go ahead.”

Since mid-March, the theatre has kept up its efforts to deliver performances to audiences through a Streaming Series. “Various other ongoing projects and tuition have continued unabated in a digital capacity,” Mr Zammit Tabona adds. “The theatre has also taken advantage of this enforced hiatus by continuing maintenance and restoration works.”