THEATRE

Tonight and 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. Book at St James on 21223200.

February 1 - 3, 8 - 10
Mercury Fur
Unifaun theatre will be staging Philip Ridley's Mercury Fur, directed by Chris Gatt at MITP. The cast includes Irene Christ, John Grech, Toni Attard, Mik Pisani, Edward Caruana Galizia, Barrie Stott, Jan Zammit, Francis Nwobodo.
www.unifauntheatre.com

February 8 - 10; 15 - 17
Glorious!
The comedy Glorious! is the true story of Florence Foster Jenkins, possibly the worst soprano in the world, will be staged at the Manoel Theatre. Florence Foster Jenkins will be played by Marylu Coppini, while Mikhail Basmadjian will be playing her pianist Cosme McMoon. Colin Willis will play her boyfriend St Clair, Nanette Brimmer will be playing Florence’s best friend Dorothy, Paula Fleri Soler will play Maria the Mexican maid and Simone Pavlides will play the part of Florence’s arch-enemy Mrs Johnson.Glorious! is directed by Coryse Borg.
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.

MUSIC

February 1
Gypsy Mambo
Fringe! Productions are bringing Gypsy Mambo over, forefront gypsy-musicians hailing from Macedonia, who will be playing at Liquid Club, San Gwann. Their local appearance in Malta will feature an added attraction of electronic intervention to their music by Danjeli, as well as an exotic surprise guest who will belly dance her way into the Turkish and Arabic influenced grooves. Audience is invited to join the party in costume. The theme is 'gypsy' based on the theme of the film 'Black and White Cat'. Decoration and props used will ensure an interactive experience for the audience in Balkan gypsy style.
Tickets at €12 on sale from St. James Cavalier Box office (21223200), at the door or from runners. One complimentary with every 10 tickets purchased.

EXHIBITIONS

February 1 - 29
Valentine's Exhibition
A Valentine's Day themed exhibition at Artitude Gallery, Tigne, Sliema. Featuring Studio Plato artists Robert Howley, Deborah Attard and Lucia Suquia Quintana.

February 2 - 16
Asante Sana from the hearts of the children in Kenya
An exhibition of drawings by children made during the summer camp organized last summer in Kawangware by Kare4Kenya. Held at the Center for National Culture in the Razzett tal-Markiz Mallia Tabone, in Wied il-Ghasel Street, Mosta. The exhibition will be open everyday between 6.30pm and 9.00pm from Monday to Saturday and from 10.00am to noon then 6.00pm to 9.00pm on Sundays.

Until 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.

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

Until February 24
Ode to Joy - works by Ljupco Samardziski
Macedonian-born painter Ljupco Samardziski will be showing his works at the St James Cavalier Upper Galleries. His varied artistic and academic career has juggled visual art and music. Samardziski blends the two artforms in his paintings to create striking collages.

Until 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).

CARNIVAL BALL

February 2
Gran Ballo 2008
This year’s Gran Ballo, taking its inspiration from ‘Una Tragica Opera in Maschera’ will take place at the Manoel Theatre. The Gran Ballo is held in aid of Dar Niki Cassar, YMCA’s homeless shelter. Tickets are at €50 and can be purchased by phoning on 21221435 or 99499610. Dress code is strictly 18th century, or black suit with mask. Early booking is recommended.

LITERARY EVENING

Tomorrow
Poezijaplus reading
The next Poezijaplus’ literary evening is set for Monday at the Manoel Theatre Courtyard at 7.30 pm. Poets Louis Briffa, Simone Inguanez, Karl Schembri, George Peresso, Andrew Sciberras, Charles Colerio, Adrian Grima, Maria Grech Ganado, Mary Anne Zammit, Leslie Vassallo, Joe W. Psalia, Maria Grech Ganado and Marlene Saliba will read their works to the public. Those interested to read their works are invited to drop an e-mail at sergiogrech@yahoo.com. The event is free of charge and the general public is cordially invited to attend.

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.

QUIZ NIGHTS

Thursdays
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.