The Story and Controversy Surrounding The Opera House Bomb Site in Valletta

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These pages are the archive of our previous campaign to restore theatre to the Opera House bomb site in Valletta (2008 - 2009). Theatre is now being restored and the current website is following developments in Malta's capital city - Main Current Website Here 'Previously' Cover Page The Basics About This Website About The Opera House Bomb Site Your Words News Media Updates Current Action Questions, Questions A New Valletta (from Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar) Links and Contacts The Small Print Listen to Lawrence Open Letter to Dr. Lawrence Gonzi, Prime Minister of Malta also ... The Prime Minister’s decision for a new Parliament house Joseph Muscat - Mosta, Malta "I appeal to the Prime Minister and his Cabinet to change course and forget Parliament House, and instead build an Opera House that will be the pride of the Maltese nation". Facebook Group: No to House of Parliament instead of Opera House (Malta) The Proposal - Parliament to move to Opera House - PM calls for national pride in City Gate project (source: Din l-Art Ħelwa, National Trust of Malta)   © maltaoperhouse.com 2009 We welcome your input and ideas Website devised by Ian Waugh (link)

 

 

Questions and Answers

To clarify our position here with this website we have compiled a small 'q & a session'. If you have any questions (or questions and answers) you feel should be included here, please contact us.

Placing an issue like this online is bound to ruffle a few feathers - so nothing new there then!

This is all about awareness of an issue we feel very strongly about.

Is this a Maltese a 'political issue'?

Absolutely not. On this web site we have made it quite clear, this is about Maltese arts, culture and theatre and nothing to do with individuals supporting or having allegiances with any political party.

Do you agree that Parliament in Malta deserves it's first dedicated building?

We don't have an opinion on this matter. There many who agree it should have its special building. Just so long as its not on the Opera House site.

Barry or Piano? Which Architectural direction should the design of the Current Bomb site go?

Some say that Barry's building and design should be recreated. Others feel Renzo Piano's plans represent the modern way forward. Some argue that there should be a new search for designer. This is another issue. of which we currently have no comment.

Isn't this a Maltese issue and is nothing to do with foreigners?

It could be argued that we are a bunch of 'interfering foreigners' who should mind their own business. Fair enough.

This website is for everyone - Maltese and 'foreigners'. We are all entitled to an opinion especially about such a prominent building at the entrance to Valletta. A bomb site which many thousands of visitors stroll pass every year since the war.

'Foreigners' bring in certain income into Malta, many feel close to the Maltese, many are fellow Europeans, a lot support Maltese culture and the arts - so the debate should be open to everyone.

Do you think there should be an open consultation?

We feel this should be given every possible consideration.

Should there be a Petition?

Yes definitely.

Should there be a Referendum?

Yes.

What can non-Maltese do in regards to this issue?

You absolutely must get your voice heard.

Write a letter to the editor's of the newspapers (here is the link to our contacts page). A letter can be done conventionally (good old ink and paper!) or by email by including your address and contact which will not be published.

Email this website and we will ensure you get coverage (info@maltaoperahouse.com).

Contact the arts, cultural or theatre press in which ever country you live and see if they would like to run this issue as a story.

Write directly to Dr. Gonzi, Malta's Prime Minister (link).

It's no good just reading all this ... show your support, please!

What do you say to all those in Malta, across Europe and the rest of the world who have visited this website?

Thank you for taking timeout to visit. Our message is simple. We disagree with the plan to place parliament on the Opera House site. The area should be designated to the arts, culture and theatre.

Please get your thoughts and support for our objectives out there. You must be heard. Do not let this get onto the back-burner.

The more voices, the louder the noise, the greater the impact on the decision makers in Malta.

Some media is referring to a 'Music Hall' in their argument in favour of the site being replaced by parliament.

We are talking theatre here (def: A building, room, or outdoor structure for the presentation of plays, films, or other dramatic performances).

We are not talking about music hall or vaudeville (def: A form of public entertainment from the late 1860s to the 1950s).

Reference to "music hall" in 2008 in certain editorial is ridiculous.