The Manoel Theatre
Following centuries of unrest and a myriad of conquerors, the rule of the military order of St. John brought about a period of unprecedented stability and development to the Maltese islands. The newly constructed fortified capital, Valletta, administrative centre and home to the variety of nationalities forming the Order, witnessed a further development as the island’s cultural and entertainment hub.
Throughout the 17th and early 18th centuries, the demand for operas, pageants, theatrical and dramatic productions boomed as the Maltese embraced what had previously been entertainment reserved solely for the Nobility. Shows put on by amateurs and theatre professionals were then housed at the Knight’s Auberges around the city or in the open.
In 1731, Grand Master Antonio Manoel de Vilhena, identifying the need for a central building serving, in his own words, “for the honest recreation of the people” commissioned and funded the construction of the “Public Theatre”.
Grand Master De Vilhena wasted no time and the building of the theatre started the very day the deed of transfer for the site was signed. In ten month the work was finished. The original interior, constructed entirely of wood, was similar in design to the Palermo Theatre of that time and is generally believed to have been modelled on it, being semi-circular with straight sides projecting to the stage. They have, of course, been many alterations throughout the years, bringing the auditorium to its present effective oval shape.
The first night of all first nights was on January 9, 1732 with a presentation of ‘Merope’ a grand tragedy in the classic style, by Scipione Maffei. The setting was designed by Francoise Maudion, who was the architect of the Order of St. john and it was played by the Knights.
Now known as the Royal Theatre, the building under went a series of alterations and enlargements, establishing its role as the nation’s entertainment centre: and, over the next 60 years played host to year round theatrical productions to an ever increasing audience of locals, tourists and foreign dignitaries. The theatre rapidly fell into total disuse. This was the end of the road for the Manoel, becoming a doss house for beggars. In later years it was converted first into a dance hall and eventually a cinema.
During the Second World War the building served as a shelter for the homeless, victims of the same carpet bombings that sealed the faith of the Opera House, totally destroyed in 1944.
The grand re opening ceremony in December 1960, left the audience gasping with delight at the newly rediscovered jewel in Malta’s national heritage, and heralded the new beginning of the Manoel. Now officially the countries National Theatre, it has, over the years, hosted countless productions by both local talent and international stars, and has been the catalyst for the growth and appreciation in Malta.