DANCE AND THEATRE

Last performance tonight
Minn Wara z-Zipp
Unifaun Theatre presents their very first Maltese production, with a script by Trevor Zahra. The play is directed by Chris Gatt and the cast includes Jean Pierre Busuttil, Renato Dimech and ‘Snits’ Spiteri. Performances start at 19:30. Tickets may be purchased from the Booking Office in Valletta, tel. no. 21 246389, fax no. 21 237340, email: bookings@teatrumanoel.com.mt and website: www.teatrumanoel.com.mt.

April 5, 6
Peter and the Wolf
Following last year's Magic Flute, the Manoel Theatre will be presenting another show for children: Prokofiev's Peter and the Wolf. The re-orchestration and musical direction is by Sarah Spiteri while the choreography is done by Emma Loftus. The cast includes: Chris Agius Darmanin and Jules Sacco (Peter/Hunter) Florinda Camilleri (Bird) Clarissa De Giorgio (Cat) Yanica Fenech (Duck), Jes Sciberras (Wolf)Toni Attard (Grandfather) and Erin Stewart Tanti – (Hunter). The musicians are Godfrey Mifsud, Ulrike Buhlman, Renzo Spiteri, Christine Vella, Albert Garcia, Silvio Zammit and Sarah Spiteri.
The performances will take place on April 5 at 18:30 and on April 6 at 16:30 and 18:30. Special prices will be on offer for families. Bookings can be made by phoning the booking office on 21246389, via on line booking system (www.teatrumanoel.com.mt) or by sending an email to booking@teatrumanoel.com.mt

April 12, 18 - 20, 25 - 27
Bad Jazz
The MADC presents a provocative new comedy by Robert Farquhar - which satirises modern theatre and the eager young hopefuls desperate to become its new stars - at the MADC playhouse. Directed by Wesley Ellul, the cast includes Angelica Coppini, Graham Arnold, Keith Pavia, David Ellul Mercer, Maxine Calleja Urry and Chris Agius Burke. More information and booking from email: bookings@madc.biz and websites: www.madc.biz and www.theatricalconspiracy.com.
MUSIC

Last performance tonight
Akustika
An acoustic evening at the St James Cavalier music room. Featuring Carlo Muscat on saxophone, Luke Vella Clark on percussions, Martina Falzon on piano, Mario Farrugia on bass, Antonio Olivieri and Malcolm Bonnici on guitars and Isabel Zammit and Justin Galea on vocals. Starts at 20:00. Tickets are at €7. Book at St James by phoning 21223200. info@akustika@zhnmalta.org

Tonight
The Violets + The Areola Treat
UK band The Violets will be joined by The Areola Treat at Poxx Bar, Paceville. Tickets at €8 are available from D'Amato and Buon Cafe'. Tickets at the door are at €10. Doors open at 22:00. www.myspace.com/thevioletsuk, www.myspace.com/theareolatreat

Tonight
Carrie at BJs
Singer/songwriter/pianist Carrie will be performing at the BJ, Paceville as part of the music marathon, starting from 22:00. The repertoire will feature songs from her upcoming album. www.myspace.com/carrieonsinging

Today
Eve Ransom unplugged
Eve Ransom will be playing an unplugged set at The Fortress, Xemxija, starting from 17:00. www.everansom.com

Until April 20
Gaulitana: A Festival of Music
Gozo’s Gaulitanus Choir has launched the second edition of its festival Gaulitana : A Festival of Music. A series of twelve concerts in various venues in Gozo will feature local and international artists/ensembles in a mixture of musical events ranging from the sacred to the folkloristic and from the pop to the classical, in which musical sounds are sometimes also juxtaposed with the flavours of the local cuisine. The festival is artistically directed by the choir’s founder-director, Colin Attard.

Last performance tonight
Akustika
An acoustic evening at the St James Cavalier music room. Featuring Carlo Muscat on saxophone, Luke Vella Clark on percussions, Martina Falzon on piano, Mario Farrugia on bass, Antonio Olivieri and Malcolm Bonnici on guitars and Isabel Zammit and Justin Galea on vocals. Starts at 20:00. Tickets are at €7. Book at St James by phoning 21223200. info@akustika@zhnmalta.org

Tonight
The Violets + The Areola Treat
UK band The Violets will be joined by The Areola Treat at Poxx Bar, Paceville. Tickets at €8 are available from D'Amato and Buon Cafe'. Tickets at the door are at €10. Doors open at 22:00. www.myspace.com/thevioletsuk, www.myspace.com/theareolatreat

April 3
I Fagolini
Renowned British vocal ensemble I Fagolini will be presenting Claudio Monteverdi's Flaming Heart, under the musical direction of Robert Hollingworth at Phoenicia Hotel in Floriana. The concert in Malta is an extension of the annual BOV Opera Festival at Teatru Manoel. The concert is organised in collaboration between the British Council and bookings, through the Teatru Manoel, can be made by phoning the booking office on 2124 6389, via online booking system (www.teatrumanoel.com.mt) or by sending an email to bookings@teatrumanoel.com.mt

April 5
Sigmund in a classical mood
This concert, held at the Casino Maltese from 20:00, will be a showcase of Sigmund Mifsud’s love for classical music, particularly the trumpet. The programme will feature Haydn’s Trumpet Concerto in E flat major, virtuoso pieces such as variations on a Neapolitan theme; contemporary works from Allen Vizzutti and Maurice Ravel; and a concerto for trumpet by Harry James. Pianist Rosetta De Battista will accompany Mifsud. Guest performers will join in: saxophonist Joseph Vella, Roderick Bugeja and Jesmond Azzopardi on euphonium, Dennis Camilleri on the trombone, and also the participation of soprano Denise Mulholland. Some numbers will also be performed as an ensemble. Dress code is smart (no jeans). Tickets at €12 are available from www.maltaticket.com or by calling on 27842538. Tickets are also available at Agenda Bookshop, Newskiosk, Exotique, Bookends and Vodafone outlets.

April 5
Angelcrypt + Shades of Chaos
The metal bands will be performing at Remedy Rock Bar, Paceville. Doors open at 21:00, entrance is €5. www.angelcrypt.com, www.myspace.com/shadesofchaos, www.undergroundfactory.com
EXHIBITIONS
Until May 4
Visage
An exhibition of drawings, etchings, oils and sculpture by Jesmond Vassallo and Francesco Astiaso Garcia at the Contemporary Room, National Museum of Fine Arts, Valletta. Open Monday to Sunday from 09.00 - 17.00 (Last admission 16.30.)

Until April 14
Grazzi Malta
‘Grazzi Malta: An art exhibition with works by Olaug Vethal (1946-2007) whilst in Malta from 1988-2007’ features works of art and other artifacts that reveal the relationship of this artist with the Maltese people whom she loved to paint. It is taking place at the St James Cavalier Upper galleries. This is the first exhibition and publication following the artist’s death on February 24. This exhibition will reveal the stylistic changes in her art from the very first presence of the artist on the island till the very last stages of her life, during her illness. The influences of the Maltese culture, people, way of life and light are reminiscent in her works following comparisons to when she first arrived.

Until April 6
Reading Cabinets
An installation by Raphael Vella at St James Cavalier. A corridor in the lower galleries of St James Cavalier has been transformed to house a unique display that presents many of the drawings in bright red plan chests with drawers that can be opened by viewers. Entitled Reading Cabinets, the exhibition also includes a number of large drawings that were produced after the Modern Art Oxford show and are being shown in public for the first time at St James Cavalier.

Until April 13
Boats, Balconies and Buildings
An exhibition of paintings and watercolours by Lionel Coates and Narinder Coates at Heritage Malta Head Office, Valletta.

April 18 - May 28
Ix- u jien
Exhibition of paintings by Dustin Cauchi at the Loggia, National Museum of Fine Arts, Valletta. Open from 09:00 until 17:00 (last admission at 16:30). The opening will also serve as a launch for Francesca Mangion’s book, which will feature illustrations by the artist.

Until April 15
WATCH
A collaboration between Vince Briffa (Malta), Ken G. Hay & Seetha A. (Moorland Productions – UK) and J. Michael Anderson (UK) at the Loggia, National Museum of Fine Arts, Valletta. Open Monday to Sunday from 09.00 - 17.00 (Last admission 16.30.)

Until April 30
Perception
Exhibition of paintings by Robert Farrugia at Juuls Bar, St Julian’s. Sponsored by Marsovin.
LITERARY EVENT

Tomorrow
Tribute to Dr Gorg Mifsud Chircop
Poezijaplus will be holding its next event - a tribute to the recently deceased folklorist and ethnographer Dr Gorg Mifsud Chircop - at the Manoel Theatre courtyard at 19:30. Participants include folk singers Zeppi iz-Zebbugi, id-Danny and guitarists Kalcidon Vella ta’ Mustacca and Ronnie Calleja tal-Mosta. Songwriters Vince Fabri and Walter Micallef will also participate. Dr George Cassar and George Peresso will speak about Dr Mifsud Chircop. The event is free of charge

QUIZ NIGHTS

Sundays
Quiz Nights held at Ciao Frà, Xemxija. Entrance next to Beachaven. Every Thursday at 21:00, 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.