Island Insights
Maltese Medical Jargon
One thing that I have noticed when reading the newspapers in Malta, is that when reporting any sort of accident, what seems to come up a lot, is that the victim suffered ‘grievous’ injuries, so I have done some research to try and find out what that actually means.
When an accident happens, a hospital doctor will examine the victims injuries and certify them as either ‘grievous’ or ‘slight’, with their report then being passed to the police.
So what is the difference?
According to the law, which says that ‘bodily harm may be either grievous or slight’, injuries to certain parts of the body that cause a ‘deformity or disfigurement’ to a persons face, neck or hands, are automatically considered ‘grievous’, regardless of the severity of the injury. Likewise, any wound that penetrates either the stomach, chest or head, is also considered ‘grievous’.
Some injuries such as fractures, are considered to be ‘temporarily grievous’. These type of injuries do cause deformity or disfigurement, but are expected to heal perfectly after some time, and so are later re-classified as ‘slight’. In practice, this means that the term ‘grievous’ is used for a whole range of injuries, from those that are potentially life threatening to a nasty, but harmless gash on a persons face. Even a seemingly trivial injury like a broken tooth is sometimes classed as ‘grievous’ since it can be considered as leading to disfigurement in a persons face.
Slight injuries, on the other hand, are those that are not expected to leave any permanent harm and do not cause disfigurement.
Theatre
The Manoel Theatre, in Valletta, is one of the oldest working theatres in Europe. It holds the distinction of being the third oldest continuously operating theatre in the world, beaten only by the Teatro Olimpico in Vicenza, and the Teatro di Sabbioneta, which are both in Italy.
The Manoel Theatre took 10 months to build in 1731 by Antonio Manoel de Vilhena, who was the Grand Master of the Knights of Malta. The theatre was initially intended for the entertainment of the knights and the local aristocracy, providing them with a venue for plays, operas, and other performances.
The architecture of the Manoel Theatre is primarily Baroque, reflecting the style of the time. Although it appears unspectactular from the outside, inside, the theatre has a horseshoe shaped auditorium which can seat around 600 people with three tiers of boxes, providing a good view for the audience.
The Exterior of the Manoel Theatre
Interior of the Manoel Theatre
Over time, the theatre has undergone several renovations and expansions. In the 19th century, it was given a neoclassical makeover, and further modifications were made in the 20th century to enhance its acoustics and facilities. Although not damaged during the Second World War, it was used as emergency accommodation for victims who became homeless as a consequence of the bombings.
The theatre has managed to retain much of its original charm and character, and has hosted numerous performances over the years, including operas, plays, ballets, concerts, and recitals. It has welcomed renowned artists and musicians from around the world, making it a prominent venue for the performing arts in Malta.
In addition to its main stage productions, the theatre is also a venue for smaller events, including chamber concerts, educational programmes, workshops, and masterclasses to promote the arts.
Today, the Manoel Theatre is managed by a non profit organization called the Manoel Theatre Trust. The Trust is responsible for the maintenance, preservation, and programming for the theatre, ensuring that it continues to be a vital cultural institution in Malta.
Theatre (Outdoor)
There is also an open air theatre in Valletta, known as the Pjazza Teatru Rjal (Royal Opera House). It is a modern outdoor performance space that serves as a popular venue for various events and performances.
The Pjazza Teatru Rjal was officially inaugurated in 2013 and is located on the site of the former Royal Opera House, which was destroyed during World War II. The destruction of the original opera house was a significant loss to the cultural heritage of Malta, as it was a prominent venue for opera, theatre, and other grand performances.
The new open air theatre was designed to pay homage to the historical opera house while incorporating contemporary elements. It features an architectural design that blends the old and the new, combining modern structures with remnants of the original opera house's facade.
The Open Air Theatre in Valletta
The theatre has a flexible seating arrangement, allowing for different configurations depending on the type of event, and can accommodate audiences of up to 1,500. The stage is equipped with state of the art technology, including lighting and sound systems, to ensure high quality productions.
Throughout the year, the theatre hosts a range of cultural events and performances, including theatrical productions, concerts, dance performances, film screenings, and festivals, and aims to showcase both local and international talent, providing a platform for artists to share their work with audiences in a unique environment.
One of the highlights of the theatre’s annual calendar is the Malta Arts Festival, which takes place during the summer. The Pjazza Teatru Rjal has become an important part of Valletta's cultural scene, enriching the city's cultural landscape and offering a unique experience for residents and visitors. Its open-air setting allows audiences to enjoy performances under the stars, creating a special ambience that adds to the overall theatrical experience.
Christmas
In Malta, Christmas is known as Il-Milied and it officially kicked off on the 25th November, with the capital city Valletta being the showcase. Plenty of attractions for the locals and tourists alike, including the ferris wheel, nougat and sweet stalls, plus in front of the Parliament building, the Christmas tree, which is about seven metres high and made of 2000 glass balls blown entirely by hand by local craftsmen.
As this is the last newsletter of the year, I want to thank you for your support, even though I sometimes find it difficult to write about new things, although it has become marginally easier since I changed from writing weekly to monthly. I wish you and your loved ones all the very best for Christmas, and the first newsletter of 2024, will be sent on Monday 1st January.