Throughout the 17th and early 18th centuries, the demand for operas, pageants, theatrical and dramatic productions boomed as the Maltese embraced what had previously been entertainment reserved solely for the nobility. Shows put on by amateurs and theatre professionals were then housed at the Knight’s Auberges around the city of Valletta.

Thus, theatre has always been a lively and well-represented part of the local cultural scene. A variety of local and international drama, dance and music troupes perform on the Islands, creating a very vibrant theatrical calendar of events.

There are various alternative venues; the 18th century National Theatre, St. James Cavalier Cavalier Centre for Creativity, the Mediterranean Conference Centre, the Old University building in Valletta and the University of Malta at Tal-Qroqq. Gozo also holds two theatres, each one extremely popular with their opera calendar.

With the fantastic weather on the Islands, open-air venues are also very popular and make for spectacular stage sets.

Opera Season

Theatres

Astra Theatre

Aurora Opera House

Manoel Theatre

Mediterranean Conference Centre

MITP Theatre

St. James Cavalier