‘TRAB – The Rest is Dust’ Masterclasses hosted at the MAVC Malta School of Art, Valletta

To enrich the educational experience surrounding the April 25th premiere of the MAVC Opera Production ‘TRAB – The Rest is Dust’, the MAVC Malta School of Art in Valletta hosted a series of masterclasses, each focusing on a critical aspect of theatrical production. These sessions aimed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the diverse elements that contribute to a successful performance, shedding light on the intricate processes behind stagecraft. Students from various disciplines within the Mikiel Anton Vassalli College, including Art, Drama, Dance and Music, benefited from these expert-led sessions.

The masterclasses were designed to demystify the complexities of theatre production, offering practical insights and hands-on knowledge. Specifically, students explored Theatre Costume Design, guided by tutor Stefania Grech Vella, delving into the art of creating costumes that not only reflect character and period but also enhance the narrative. This workshop emphasized the importance of fabric selection, construction techniques, and the visual impact of costumes on stage.

Light Design, led by tutor Kevin Zerafa, illuminated the crucial role of lighting in shaping atmosphere and directing audience focus. Participants learned about the technical aspects of lighting equipment, color theory, and the strategic use of light to create mood and highlight key moments in the performance. This session underscored the power of light to transform a stage and evoke emotional responses.

Finally, Set Design, presented by MAVC tutors George Mario Attard and Fabrizio Ellul, explored the creation of immersive and functional stage environments. This workshop covered the principles of set construction, spatial design, and the integration of scenery with the overall production concept. Students gained insights into the collaborative process of translating a director’s vision into a tangible stage setting.

These masterclasses collectively provided a valuable learning experience, allowing students to grasp the intricate collaboration between various artistic and technical fields that are required for a theatrical opera production such as the Opera ‘TRAB – The Rest is Dust’.

MAVC announced that this year’s upcoming College live production, the Opera “TRAB : the Rest is Dust” is to be premiered onFriday 25^th April, 2025 at19.30hrs at theSt Agatha’s Auditorium, Rabat Malta.

Entrance is free, however one needs to select seating tickets from here: TicketLine.com.mt

The Opera ‘TRAB : The Rest is Dust’ is a contemporary Opera in Maltese (with English subtitles) about contemporary issues such as xenophobia, homophobia, the environment, greed and the lust for power.