Unique Historic Building and Architectural Jewel
The Theatre was built in 1731 by António Manoel de Vilhena, Grand Master of the Knights of Malta. He commissioned
and personally funded the construction of this central building to keep the young knights of the Order of St. John
out of mischief but also to provide the general public with “honest entertainment”. This motto, “ad honestam
populi oblectationem” is inscribed above the main entrance to the theatre. The first ever performance was Scipione
Maffei’s La Merope on the 19th January 1732.
The Theatre is one of the finest examples of baroque architecture and one of the oldest working theatres in the
world. The Theatre has gone through a lot of changes in its history and is today a Grade 1 listed building and
considered to be a magnificent jewel, existing humbly in the very centre of Valletta, Malta’s Capital City and a
UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Theatre’s simple exterior belies the majesty that one finds inside.
National Theatre
As Malta’s national theatre, the Manoel, as it is affectionately referred to by locals, is one of the main contributors
to the development of the local cultural scene. Grandmaster António Manoel de Vilhena’s original objective for the
Theatre has developed significantly from just providing honest entertainment to the public. Today, the Manoel’s
mission is to entertain, inform and educate, thereby enriching the cultural life of the audience as well as to provide
a platform for artists to excel in their talents. It is committed to the presentation of quality artistic productions,
to the creation of new audiences for music and drama genres, and to provide a principal platform for local and
international artists.
Teatru Manoel presents an annual performance season of concerts, recitals, opera, drama, musicals, dance, an
annual baroque festival and an education programme.
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