www.maltaoperhouse.com/previously is preserved as a permanent reminder of the battle to restore THEATRE, not parliament to this historic and much loved site in Valletta. The editorial and features remain unchanged. This website a grateful to the many people in Malta and beyond who publicly and privately contributed to this work. Thanks especially to the thousands who believe passionately in Maltese theatre and performing arts who share the vision that theatre will return.

In December 2008 the Opera House debate was back in the news and heading the political agenda once again.

Malta's Prime Minister, Dr. Lawrence Gonzi, revived a proposal to transform this cultural site into a building that houses Parliament.

If Dr. Gonzi's proposal goes ahead a place loved by many with it's heart in theatre and creativity will be further decimated with the conversion of the site into a building of politics. This would place Malta's Parliamentary building right at the entrance to it's capital city and depriving the Maltese and the thousands who visit Malta every year of a building of the arts, culture and theatre for which it was originally used.

We believe that reconstruction of the site should proceed in a manner whereby it is aesthetically pleasing as possible bearing in mind it's surroundings and status in Malta's capital city. This website is not concerning it's self with design.

Our issue is the proposal to turn the Opera House site away from theatre, the arts and creativity and simply towards politics.

Thousands of Maltese feel very strongly about this. Many non-Maltese are equally passionate that in a bizarre move by politicians theatre is being forcedly replaced by politics.

The debate is raging on in an unprecedented manner through a Facebook Group (here). We fully support this Group. Should there be a full Petition to The Prime Minister or a national Referendum this will be a matter for Maltese citizens.

This website is designed to create a wider awareness of this issue.

We welcome comments, thoughts, opinions from everyone in Malta and across Europe or the World. We will publish them here and make sure the men in grey suits hear your voice.

• If you visit, know or love Malta.

• If you like theatre, the arts and Maltese culture.

• If you feel that something must be done to stop the politicians from absorbing the Opera House.