Conserving the notion of a theatre : the implications of contemporary performance on Teatru Manoel

Abstract

The natural ability of human beings to evolve and develop is constantly nourished by learning and growing instinctively. The diverse cultural world contributes continually to this cycle of the development of our way of life. As a significant part of culture, performing arts have inevitably followed this evolution along the years, bringing with it requirements that are constantly adapting and changing. These requirements need to be satisfied by theatres and other performance venues, and thus pose a recurring challenge on the physical infrastructure that is readily available. Focusing on Malta's National Theatre, Teatru Manoel, this study aimed to analyse whether the modifications that this theatre has been subjected to, along the years, have successfully satisfied this evolution in performance. Moreover, the research investigated whether this theatre can continue to adapt for further changes in contemporary performance. Through investigation and analysis of multiple perspectives, the different outcomes have outlined that Teatru Manoel is not to most ideal venue for contemporary performance, due to its need for several upgrades. However, this depends highly on the type of production that is concerned, coupled with the right production team that is able to take on the theatre's own limitations and use them as opportunities to benefit the performance.