AWARENESS ACTIVITY

20 October
Painting Valletta Pink
Kicking-off at 10:00am at City Gate Valletta, the Action for Breast Cancer Foundation and Soroptimists International will be interacting with the general public and explaining the importance of being ‘Breast Aware’, handing out information leaflets detailing step-by-step self-examination procedures and giving out pink gifts (pink ribbons & pink muffins) to commemorate the event. At 11:30am, the initiatives will be ‘Painting Valletta Pink’ with the commemorative rally - supported by various dignitaries and celebrities including members of parliament and singer Ira Losco.

MUSIC

Tomorrow
Concert by Varsovia Symphony Orchestra
Sinfonia Varsovia Orchestra, under the direction of Christopher Warren-Green, featuring the pianist Maria João Pires and the violinist Augustin Dumay, perform works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Felix Mendelssohn at the Teatru Manoel. Tickets are at Lm6.00, Lm3.00 and concert starts at 8.00pm. Book from Teatru Manoel: Monday to Froday 9.00am to 1.00pm, 5.00pm to 7.00pm and Saturdays 10.00am to 12.00pm. Tel. 21 246389, e-mail: bookings@teatrumanoel.com.mt
20, 21 October
Cafe Brazil
Fringe! Productions presents its first autumn event in a series of jazz events scheduled for the coming season at MITP, St Christopher’s Street, Valletta, starting from 8:30pm.
Botafogo is an exceptional quartet of Paris-based musicians led by the French bass player Jacques Figueras and currently residing in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Band members include Malta’s Sandro Zerafa and leader of Paris based White Russian Quintet, drummer Christophe Bras and samba percussion extraordinaire Jean Christophe Dorville.
Special guest for this Malta concert is none other than Brazilian singer Catia Werneck, one of the most prominent Brazilian singers in Paris at the moment. She will join Botafogo band members after having performed extensively in Europe, Japan and Brazil. Botafogo will be presenting a sambas and bossa novas includng original songs by Catia and Brazilian standards by Dorival Caymmi, Chico Buarque and Milton Nascimento. Entrance is at Lm4 and tickets can be purchased from St James Cavalier: 21223200.
www.myspace.com/jazzfringe, http://www.myspace.com/jacquesfiguerasbotafogo
THEATRE

Final performance tonight
Steel Magnolias
MADC presents Steel Magnolias at the Teatru Manoel. The much-loved play by Robert Harling revolves around Truvy’s Beauty Parlour somewhere in Louisiana. This is the hilarious and touching story of six close-knit friends whose lives come together as they engage in antic banter that ultimately reveals the strength of these ‘Steel Magnolias’. Tickets are at Lm 6.00, Lm5.00, Lm4.00, Lm3.00 and performance starts at 8.00pm. Book from Teatru Manoel: Monday to Froday 9.00am to 1.00pm, 5.00pm to 7.00pm and Saturdays 10.00am to 12.00pm. Tel. 21 246389, e-mail: bookings@teatrumanoel.com.mt

Tonight, 19 - 21 October
Doubt
Masquerade opens its theatrical season with Doubt by John Patrick Shanley, directed by Anthony Bezzina at St James Cavalier. Set against the backdrop of a Bronx Catholic school in 1964, it tells the story of a staunch-minded nun faced with a difficult decision. Should she voice concerns about one of her male colleagues, even if she’s not entirely certain of the truth? The play won many awards when it opened in 2005 - including Best Play for 2005 and also the Pulitzer Prize for 2004 - becoming the biggest sensation Broadway has seen in years. The cast includes Monica Attard, Malcolm Galea, Faye Paris and Evelyn Duah. Tickets to be booked at St James Cavalier (21223200), from 10.00am till 9.00pm daily. www.masquerademalta.com

19, 20, 21 October
Caravaggio: L-Inkjesta
A dramatic representation of Caravaggio’s life and art seen through the eyes of his admirers and critics. This original play in Maltese, written and directed by Joe Friggieri, is sponsored by Heritage Malta and held at the Teatru Manoel. A unique event celebrating the fourth centenary of the great painter’s experience in Malta. Tickets are at Lm5.00, Lm3.00 and performances start at 7:30pm.

EXHIBITIONS

Until 18 November
Work in 20th Century Maltese art
An exhibition of paintings representing manual labour on the island over the century, curated by Dennis Vella at the Main Hall of St James Cavalier. In Vella’s words: “The main occupations that have interested Maltese artists working in the twentieth century are stone masonry and building, fishing and harbour-work and agriculture. On the other hand, due to their lack of obvious pictorial appeal, trades and jobs that have hardly ever been treated are industrial ship repair and construction, besides mass-manufacture in factory environments. As can be imagined, hardly anyone has bothered with office workers.”

Until 16 December
Caravaggio and Paintings of Realism in Malta
The long-awaited exhibitionw will be held at the St John’s Co-Cathedral Annex, Valletta as part of the Caravaggio 400 celebrations, marking Caravaggio’s presence in Malta.
Held in participation with Heritage Malta, The exhibition will be co-curated by St. John’s Co-Cathedral’s curator, Ms Cynthia De Giorgio and Dr Keith Sciberras and Caravaggio’s ‘Portrait of a Knight’, which the Baroque master painted while on the island, will be the highlight of this showcase.

17 October - 7 November
Lust for Colours of Life
An exhibition of oil paintings by Ljupco Samardziski will open on Wednesday 17 October at 7:30pm at the Artitude Gallery, Tigne Street, Sliema. Born in Macedonia and beginning his artistic career as a soloist on double-bass, he went to hold exhibitions in a number of European galleries. He has won several awards, including ‘Foreign artist of the year’ in Mexico, the Grand Prix International in Arles, ‘92, Special Malta International Biennale President’s Award and others. He lives in Paris and Malta.

Until 26 October
The Cave of the Centaurs
An exhibition of paintings by Anthony Catania at the Contemporary Hall of the National Museum of Fine Arts, Valletta. Open Monday to Sunday from 9.00am - 5.00pm (Last Admission 4.30pm).

Until 4 November
Etcetera, perche la minesstra si fredda
An exhibition of paintings by Franco Navarro at the Heritage Malta Head Office, Valletta.

Until 30 November
Caravaggio: l’Immagine del Divino
An exhibition of original masterpieces of Caravaggio, organised by Heritage Malta and Romartificio Eventi d’Arte. At the Salon in the National Museum of Archaeology, Valletta. Open Monday to Sunday from 9.00am - 7.00pm (last admission at 6.30pm).

30 December
Malta’s Mediterranean Trilogy: Bread, Oil and Wine
An exhibition organised by Heritage Malta as part of the EU programme Trimed. At the Ta’ Kola Windmill, Xaghra Gozo. Open Monday to Sunday from 9.00am - 5.00pm (last admission at 4.30pm).

QUIZ NIGHTS

Thursdays
Quiz Nights
Quiz Nights held at Ciao Frà, Xemxija. Entrance next to Beachaven. Every Thursday at 9.00pm, tables team up to fill in a self-completion quiz pack of 40 general knowledge and current affairs questions. Winners receive Lm10 discount off their bill and a bottle of bubbly (both winners and runners-up). Participation fee Lm1. Reservations call: 99458567.

CONFERENCE

19 October
End of Life Issues
The Bioethics Consultative Committee is organising a Conference on ‘End of Life Issues’ at 7.30pm at the Music Room, St James Cavalier, Valletta. The keynote speaker will be Profs. Ignazio R. Marino from Thomas Jefferson University. The public is cordially invited.

BOOK FAIR

14 - 18 November
Malta Book Fair
The 23rd edition of the Malta Book Fair will be held at the Mediterranean Conference Centre in Valletta. Entrance is free of charge. Buses from City Gate will take commuters to the MCC at a nominal price. Anyone visiting the fair will be given a ticket entitling them to participate in a lottery for books donated by the exhibitors.