Planning Authority pitches in to help in renovation works at Teatru Salesjan in Sliema

Teatru Salesjan in Sliema, which is currently undergoing major renovation works, has received a much-needed financial boost by the Planning Authority’s Development Planning Fund towards the project’s completion.   

The upgrading of the theatre will ensure that the place is elevated into a more professional space for practitioners and a more comfortable environment for audiences of different abilities, age groups and mobilities.

The project, which is currently in progress, was introduced by the Executive Director of Teatru Salesjan Fr Charles Said in the presence of the Minister for the Environment, Climate Change & Planning Hon. Aaron Farrugia, the PA’s Development Planning Fund Chairperson Perit Vincent Cassar and the Mayor of Sliema Mr Anthony Chircop.

The Authority, through a €92,000 grant, will be covering the expenses associated with the restoration of all apertures surrounding the building, maintenance works to façade including the two stone balconies and renovation of the ornamental metal works along the existing garden on the theatre’s side.

Perit Vincent Cassar, Chairperson of the Development Planning Fund said “the support we are giving for the structural and renovation works that are taking place within this theatre will translate into an impactful benefit for the community of Sliema. Teatru Salesjan has become a hallmark for giving communities ownership over their own work and introducing innovative ways how to make the arts closer to the people. It is not surprising that last year they were awarded Il-Premju tal-President għall-Kreattività.”

“We have an obligation not only to safeguard our built heritage but a responsibility to provide spaces where future communities can integrate and build better relationships through exciting projects such as this.” concluded Perit Cassar.

In 2019, the project also received considerable financial support through the Theatre Spaces Funding Scheme which is managed jointly by Arts Council Malta and Teatru Malta.

Situated in the residential part of Sliema, Teatru Salesjan is the oldest existing theatre in the locality and one of the oldest working theatres in Malta.

Founded in 1908, Teatru Salesjan was a popular source of entertainment for the public. The 1930s were a pivotal moment in the history of the theatre when Carmelo Galea, a Maltese Salesian Brother, returned to his home country from Modica in Sicily. After his arrival, the theatre increased its artistic output, particularly when it came to music.

After his death in the 1970s, the theatre kept on running under theatre group Atturi Salesjani until the management eventually changed hands in 2011 and set about refreshing the theatre’s output to what it is today.

Above the Teatru Salesjan proscenium is a very special painting in oil on stone by Maltese artist Giuseppe Calì. The painting depicts The Virtues of Mankind; Faith, Honesty, Morals, Knowledge and Goodness, and was inaugurated in 1910 by Don Allegra.