‘Turandot’, against all odds: Malta’s opera triumph

In the heart of Valletta, under the watchful gaze of the Grand Master’s Palace, a spectacle unfolds. It’s not the usual tourist crowd or the humdrum of local life. Instead, it’s an opera, ‘Turandot’, being performed in the open air, against all odds. This is Malta’s cultural resilience in action.

An opera in the time of COVID

In a year that’s seen the world pause, Malta’s cultural scene has been no exception. Yet, here we are, in October 2020, with the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) and Teatru Manoel presenting ‘Turandot’. It’s a triumph of determination, a beacon of hope in these challenging times.

Conducted by the MPO’s principal conductor, Michael Laus, and directed by Teatru Manoel’s artistic director, Marc Cabourdin, this production is a testament to Malta’s cultural tenacity. “We couldn’t let this year pass without offering our audience some form of cultural experience,” says Cabourdin.

From the stage to the street

To make this happen, the opera had to adapt. Traditionally held indoors, ‘Turandot’ was moved to the open-air Pjazza Teatru Rjal, a stone’s throw from the Grand Master’s Palace. The stage was set, literally, with the city’s historic architecture serving as a dramatic backdrop.

But the changes didn’t stop at the venue. To adhere to COVID-19 safety measures, the audience was limited, and seating was rearranged for social distancing. Masks were mandatory, and hand sanitizers were aplenty. It was opera, Malta-style, in the time of COVID.

Malta’s cultural resilience

This isn’t the first time Malta’s culture has weathered storms. From the Great Siege to World War II, our islands have seen their fair share of adversity. Yet, time and again, culture has emerged, resilient and vibrant.

Cabourdin echoes this sentiment, “Malta’s cultural scene has always been about resilience. We’ve faced challenges before, and we’ll face them again. But we’ll always find a way to keep our culture alive.”

So, here we are, in the heart of Valletta, under the stars, watching ‘Turandot’. It’s not business as usual, but it’s a start. It’s Malta, against all odds, keeping culture alive.

As the final notes of ‘Nessun dorma’ echo through the city, we’re reminded that while 2020 has been a challenging year, Malta’s cultural spirit remains unbroken. And that, perhaps, is the most operatic tale of all.