THEATRE

Until January 13
Pirates of the Mediterranean
This year’s MADC panto will have a pirate flavour written by Edward Mercieca and Nanette Brimmer. Cast includes Edward Mercieca as Dame Kalafrana, Chiara Hyzler as Jim, Jo Caruana as the mermaid Ariel, Pia Zammit as the baddie Skoda Octavia, John Marinelli as Long John Silver, David Ellul Mercer as Poppa, Rachel Darmanin Demajo as Pruwa, Coryse Borg as Fairy Frumpet, Elaine Camilleri as Fairy Guppy, Renato Dimech as Neptune, Katherine Brown as Bog Roll and Ralph Mangion as Doctor Klinikk, as well as a full chorus. Musical director is Mro Paul Abela and choreographer is Kristina Schranz. The spectacular set is by Harry Borg and costumes were designed by Louie Noir. Performance run excludes January 7.
Tickets may be booked or purchased from the Manoel Theatre Booking Office, email: bookings@teatrumanoel.com.mt, website: www.teatrumanoel.com.mt and tel. no: 21 246389.  More information from website: www.madc.biz.

January 18 - 20, 25 - 27; February 1 - 3
Laughing Wild
MADC presents Christopher Durang's celebrated satire of contemporary life at St James Cavalier, with Denise Mullholland as the emotionally disturbed 'Woman', and Alan Montanaro as the spiritually confused 'Man'. This black comedy touches on the Catholic Church, talk-shows, sexuality, homosexuality, mental illness, the new age movement, AIDS, and tuna fish - in no particular order. Directed by Polly March. Performances start at 8pm.

MUSIC

January 11
Core Frequency/Knockturn Alley/Brain Damage
The three metal bands will be performing at Poxx Bar from 9pm. Entrance is 7 EUR/Lm3, which includes a free drink on entrance. Merchandize will be on sale and a there will be an after party following the gig.

January 25
Losing Son/Tendency Charge/Item
The British outfit Losing Son will be playing along with two local metal bands at Poxx Bar. Doors open at 9pm; first band starts at 10pm. Entrance is EUR 8.50/Lm3.50 and includes a free drink. www.myspace.com/losingsonuk, www.myspace.com/tendencycharge, www.myspace.com/itemband.

EXHIBITIONS

Ends today
Transcendence: materia, colori e rilievi
An exhibition of paintings by Anthony P. Vella at Heritage Malta Head Office, Valletta. Open Monday to Friday from 8.30am - 4.00pm.

January 11 – February 17
The Gentle Kiss of Existence
An exhibition of paintings by Daniel Spiteri at Heritage Malta Head Office, Valletta. Open Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 4.00pm.

January 11 - February 17
Passages
An exhibition of abstract paintings by Lewis Zammit at the St James Cavalier Main Hall.

Until January 13
Reportage photography by Gilbert Calleja
The exhibition, showing at the Upper Galleries of St James Cavalier, includes a selection of Calleja’s best images from reportage work which he has taken both locally and abroad for the past seven years. The exhibition brings together a selection of, mainly unpublished, photo-essays exploring subjects as varied as ‘Boxing’ and ‘Priests’ pastoral work’.

Until January 13
Miniature Nativity Scenes: A Multicultural Christmas
An exhibition of unique nativity scenes from the five continents at the Inquisitor's Palace, Vittoriosa. Open Monday to Sunday from 9.00am - 5.00pm (Last Admission 4.30pm) at Lm2 (4.66 Euros).

Until January 15
Vanishing Valletta
Exhibition of photographs by David Pisani at the Hilton, St Julian’s. The exhibition showcases the product of an 18 year long project that was entered into the Bibliotheque Nationale de France. A book of photographs will also be released to coincide with the exhibition.

January 15 – March 25
The Maria Pisani Bequest
An exhibition of the eleven paintings by the renowned Maltese artist Lazzaro Pisani donated to Heritage Malta by his daughter Maria Pisani at the Contemporary Room, National Museum of Fine Arts, Valletta. Open Monday to Sunday from 9.00am to 5.00pm (Last Admission 4.30pm).

Until January 22
Roots of an Island
An exhibition of paintings by Christopher Saliba at the Loggia, National Museum of Fine Arts, Valletta. Open Monday to Sunday from 9.00am - 5.00pm (Last Admission 4.30pm).

January 25 – March 3
Contours
An exhibition of ceramics by Charlot Cassar at the Loggia, National Museum of Fine Arts, Valletta. Open Monday to Sunday from 9.00am - 5.00pm (Last Admission 4.30pm).
January 28 – March 15
American Prints
An exhibition of prints donated to Heritage Malta by Mr Martin Karlin from USA at the Gozo Area Exhibition Hall, Gozo Area Office, The Citadel Gozo. Open Monday to Friday from 8.00am - 4.00pm (Last Admission 4.30pm).
DISCUSSION
January 29
Wine Pressing and a Possible Maltese Colony in Calabria
An informal discussion by Prof Anthony Bonanno, organised by Heritage Malta at Heritage Malta Head Office, Valletta at 6.30pm.