FIRST April 2016

GREEN PARENTING I INDIAN UTOPIA I THE NATIONAL DANCE COMPANY SINGER AND MODEL KELLY SCHEMBRI I ACTOR CHRIS DINGLI I JOBS FOR MUMS MADE EASY I FILIGREE ARTIST KEVIN ATTARD I MADRID ART FAIR MEDITERRANEAN RECIPES I LONDON FASHION WEEK

APRIL 2016

Watch our Facebook page for our ongoing collaboration with a visiting Consultant Plastic Surgeon of Harley Street renown.

Photograph by Alan Carville

reality check With age comes wisdom and, in time, stuff heals. Well, that’s what we are told. I think, however, that we learn how to live with things – that’s the wisdom part – and we get really good at covering things up.

In this issue, Claire Bugelli gives a young woman advice on how to start appreciating herself, after her boyfriend has proposed to her (p. 50). Why do we give ourselves such a hard time and feel so unlovable and unattractive?

I think remembering that we are not alone in these thoughts – when we have them – helps to pull us out of such moments. Life is too short, and can be so unforgiving, for us to continue being consumed by such thoughts and being proactive is also the key to happiness.

“Vogue, Couture, Glamour, darling…!” This issue hits London Fashion Week with photographer Bernard Polidano (p. 36). We meet the beautiful model, singer and songwriter Kelly Schembri (p. 10) and Monique Chambers explores the economy of the world of fashion (p. 40). First’s fashion photographer Federico Peltretti goes back to nature with this issue’s fashion spread (p. 24) and we meet the talented filigree artist Kevin Attard, who is taking this art form to another level (p. 12).

So dig in (mouth-watering recipes by Ingrid Mercieca on p. 53), plan a holiday (perhaps to Utopia in India? p. 16) and, if you can, contemplate your carbon footprint on this earth (p. 45).

I would like to take this opportunity to thank my dear friend Colin Fitz for working on the last few issues of First since the birth of my daughter, without which the magazine would have had to sleep for a while, with me!

EDITOR LILY AGIUS LAGIUS@INDEPENDENT.COM.MT ASSOCIATE EDITOR COLIN FITZ ADVERTISING & ADVERT PLACEMENTS CLAIRE BONDIN GAFA CGAFA@INDEPENDENT.COM.MT DESIGNER CONRAD BONDIN CBONDIN@INDEPENDENT.COM.MT ARTISTIC DIRECTOR SEAN ELLUL PRODUCTION MANAGER ANDRE CAMILLERI ACAMILLERI@INDEPENDENT.COM.MT ARTWORK COORDINATOR CHRISTINE SPITERI CMIFSUD@INDEPENDENT.COM.MT CONTRIBUTORS ALBERT DELIA, DINI MARTINEZ, FEDERICO PELTRETTI, INGRID MERCIECA, CLAIRE BUGELLI MONIQUE CHAMBERS BERNARD POLIDANO PUBLISHER STANDARD PUBLICATIONS, STANDARD HOUSE, BIRKIKARA HILL, ST JULIAN’S. TEL: 00356-2134-5888 PRINTER PRINT IT E-MAIL FIRST@INDEPENDENT.COM.MT ONLINE WWW.INDEPENDENT.COM.MT FACEBOOK FIRSTMAGAZINE COVER DETAILS STAR BY JULIEN MACDONALD CATSUIT AND FAITH SHOES AND PURSE FROM DEBENHAMS; NOUR NECKLACE, BRACELET AND RINGS, GABY NECKLACE AND PAROUR BRACELET FROM PORTO – PHOTO BY FEDERICO PELTRETTI FIRST IS PUBLISHED EVERY MONTH AS A COMPLIMENTARY MAGAZINE WITH THE MALTA INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY AND IS NOT TO BE SOLD SEPARATELY.

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Inside

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10 FIRST WORD

50 DEAR CLAIRE

Kelly Schembri shares her loves and likes.

Claire Bugelli on dealing with demons of doubt and insecurity.

12 THREAD AND GRAIN

53 MEDITERRANEAN DELIGHTS

16 AUROVILLE — AN IMPOSSIBLE UTOPIA?

56 INVESTING IN PEOPLE

20 MY PERSONAL STYLIST

58 MADRID ART FAIR

Albert Delia meets Kevin Attard, a specialist in filigree designs.

Dini Martinez on an Indian town with a difference.

A new service offered by Oasis.

22 ART, FOOD AND EYEWEAR

We meet new Silhouette Ambassador Tania Attard.

24 COUNTRY RIDER

Another brilliant top fashion pictorial shot by Federico Peltretti.

36 LONDON FASHION WEEK

Photographer Bernard Polidano visits one of the world’s top fashion events.

40 THE OUTDOOR GLOW

Ingrid Mercieca’s alternative take on the traditional rabbit dish.

Tipico’s Director of HR Kevin Norville interviewed.

Lily Agius gets lost in a maelstrom of fantastic creativity.

64 A TIME TO DANCE

A look at the upward trajectory of Malta’s national dance company.

65 SOCIAL WHIRL

Snaps from events and launches held recently.

68 LAST WORD

Chris Dingli discusses his Maltese and international acting career.

The latest foundation product from CHANEL.

42 FASHION ECONOMY

A look at the latest trends and styles in the sartorial industry.

45 SUSTAINANLE PARENTING

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The top 10 green parenting and household tips.

49 A WORKING CONNECTION

An interview with the woman behind the Jobs for Mums search engine.

68 WINNERS from the MARCH ISSUE CONGRATULATIONS!

Michael King of Santa Venera won the Man Cave Washbag Set courtesy of Ta’ Xbiex Perfumery Ltd. Mary Formosa of Attard, Richard Pulo of Sliema, Candida Cassar of Valletta and Anthony Cassar of Hamrun each won a copy of the book In the Name of the Prince courtesy of Heritage Malta.

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first word

Currently signed to the biggest commercial modelling agency in London, Kelly Schembri is also a singer and songwriter and one half of the vocal house duo Monroe. She’s appeared with artists such as Jay Sean and Nicole Sherzinger, and appeared on film with Academy Award winner Eddie Redmayne as well as serving as Mila Kunis’ body double. With a British mother and Maltese father, Kelly considers herself lucky to be able to divide her time between Malta and London.

Far left to right: Kelly Schembri, Cape Town, Sia, Rome, Jack Savoretti, Ange ou Demon ‘Le Secret’ perfume by Givenchy and the cover of The Secret

Photo by Anna Fowler

The object I would never part with is my phone. Being self-employed means that you have to be ready to take calls at the drop of a hat, but once in a while I feel I would love to be able to throw it out of the window and go on a yoga retreat somewhere remote.

An indulgence I would never give up is chocolate. Obviously.

The thing you will always find in my fridge is almond

coconut milk.

If I could get away for the day it would have to be somewhere My favourite space in my house is the kitchen as this is where I get most of my work done and also because it’s where the food is! It’s also the room that brings everyone together.

The most inspirational person in my life is my mum, who is the smartest, funniest and most beautiful person I know.

The most unforgettable place I have visited is Cape Town, South Africa. It’s

beautiful and the food was amazing.

The last place I visited was Sicily, apart from Malta, which I visit regularly.

The last thing I added to my wardrobe is a

black leather skirt with fringing.

The best gift I received recently wasa handmade bracelet that’s made with precious stones and represents love, happiness and respect.

The last song I listened to was Catapult by Jack Savoretti.

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or

I would like to learn how to drive! I have managed to put it off until now as in London it’s really easy to get around using public transport, and better for the environment too.

The book I am currently reading is The Secret.

My most recent find is Drift’s Greek food

by Bouzouki. I’m so glad they’re back!

The websites I will often browse are mainly work or social media orientated.

sunny and relaxing, surrounded by friends, family and people who make me happy.

One thing I never get round to doing and would like to is learn

how to ride a bike.

If had no choice but to change my line of work I would become

a psychologist, teach yoga, write or do something health and fitness related.

My most luxurious habit is flying home so often, I suppose.

My favourite photographer is... I’ve worked with so many amazing photographers that I couldn’t pick just one!

My favourite perfume is Ange Givenchy, at the moment.

ou Demon ‘Le Secret’ by

The most beautiful building in the My favourite designer is Julien MacDonald as I loved the world is the Taj Mahal although latest designs at his most recent fashion show.

I’ve only ever seen it in Disney movies…

The most spectacular city in the world is Rome although I also

love Barcelona.

My favourite music artists are Sia and Lana Del Ray. Kelly is currently the star of a reality TV programme called Road Trip every Thursday at 8.30pm on Net TV. Find out more about Kelly and Monroe at www.monroeofficial.com

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Thread & Grain

The word ‘filigree’ derives from the Latin words ‘filum’ meaning thread and ‘granum’ meaning grain and this style of jewellery involves the creation of intricately and finely intertwined pure silver thread. Albert Delia met Kevin Attard, a local expert in the art, to discover more.

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iligree is an art form that dates back over three millennia, an artisanal skill that has somehow managed to transcend national boundaries and was – and still is – practiced primarily in Europe and Asia.

Locally, the work carried out by goldsmiths and silversmiths is a trade regulated by Maltese legislation dating back almost a century that states who is authorised to carry out this kind of activity.

Filigree itself, in this respect, is identified by name and carries with it a tradition that has been passed down through countless generations.

It would be perfectly understandable to think that filigree is a traditional Maltese style of jewellery. The sight of a glistening filigree eight-pointed cross made of pristine white silver in the window of any jewellery shop in Malta is practically standard. The reality is, however, that filigree is far from being an indigenous Maltese creation.

Filigree originated in Mesopotamia – or modernday Iraq, Syria and Kuwait. Attempting to identify the country that is most closely associated with this style of jewellery is particularly difficult, although practitioners will tell you that they have seen some amazing creations coming out of Portugal and Russia – and that’s as much as they’ll commit themselves to.

Despite filigree not being Maltese, there are some amazingly talented filigree artists locally and I’ve had the privilege this month of talking to one of them – Kevin Attard.

In an old townhouse in Gzira, with floors of traditional handmade patterned Maltese tiles, in a small, well-lit room on the roof, is Kevin’s workshop. Sporting a pair of Crocs, he greets me with a smile and pulling out a chair from behind the work bench, offers it to me. Pruxka the cat (the favourite out of his five cats) walks cautiously into the room to approve of the new guest and jumps onto Kevin’s lap.»

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«We immediately start chatting. Kevin is currently training to complete a triple ironman challenge – a triathlon that lasts over 50 hours. The discipline, patience and concentration required to work filigree are values that certainly come in handy when undertaking such a gruelling daily training regime. It becomes immediately apparent that Kevin enjoys a good challenge. He has participated in the “Premju Ġieħ lArtiġjanat Malti” competition four times and has been among the winners every time.

Hailing from a family of jewellers, Kevin started working filigree at the age of 14. It was when his father first introduced him to Raymond Falzon, who decided to take him under his wing, that he realised how low his standards were at the time. Over 20 years have passed since then and it can be said with confidence that the quality, innovation and thought that Kevin brings to his work have made his pieces trend-setters on the local scene.

The world of filigree-makers in Malta is an interesting one. Although there is a growing demand for filigree, the number of registered filigree artists has dwindled over the years, with only about six full-time practitioners still working today.

The competition amongst these craftsmen can be fierce at times, with one exception. I am told that there is a ‘king of filigree’ in Malta – who manages to work effectively with all of them, irrespective of whether they

THE WORLD OF FILIGREE-MAKERS IN MALTA IS AN INTERESTING ONE. ALTHOUGH THERE IS A GROWING DEMAND FOR FILIGREE, THE NUMBER OF REGISTERED FILIGREE ARTISTS HAS DWINDLED OVER THE YEARS

are competitors or not – a certain Gaetano Saliba, who plays an important role in keeping the filigree tradition alive here.

Kevin tells me that there is a growing amount of foreign filigree entering the local market to cater for the public’s demand, which is inherently not a bad thing because the quality and craftsmanship of these pieces can be extremely good. The only issue is when these imported items are erroneously labelled as ‘Made in Malta’.

Interestingly enough, Kevin attributes his rise into experimenting with new designs and techniques partly to the competition brought about with the introduction of foreign pieces. His award-winning creations so far include a life-size filigree violin and skull, a neck piece and even a miniature toilet. Each of these pieces took months to complete, with some even representing a year of work.

When I inquire what is involved in creating an item of filigree, he gives me a quick demonstration by making a small pendant in less than five minutes. He then brings out his ‘hallmarker’, a microscopic stamp bearing his signature, and marks the piece.

Telling me that he only listens to Italian radio while he works, Kevin then explains that the first step is to make a form out of silver thread composed of 925 grams of silver and 25 grams of copper (for added strength) and he then starts filling it in with ‘rizzoli’ wire, a super-fine silver thread composed of 1000-gram silver, woven into a plait.

Methodically and meticulously twisting the thread into the desired shape, Kevin’s fingers seem to move almost mechanically with precision – a necessity when working with such a fine, delicate medium. He peppers the unfinished pendant with borax, a chemical stimulant that activates and facilitates the bond when heated. The final step is an acid wash to remove the impurities from the soldering process and to bring out the silver’s unmistakable colour.

Kevin tells me that he has three major ideas for the near future: the first is to start using gold-plated filigree in his work, the second is to make another filigree skull (which he describes as his most enjoyable and challenging piece of work so far) but this time using gold thread, and the third, and most ambitious is to one day make a fulllength, wearable, curvaceous dress out of filigree.

Anyone interested in learning more about filigree can contact Kevin on 9930 9249 to participate in a small group session where between one to four participants can learn to make their own pendant – in itself an interesting gift. For more serious students, Kevin takes on no more than two people for a year-long course intended to introduce participants to the basic skills needed to begin developing their own technique.

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AUROVILLE AN IMPOSSIBLE UTOPIA?

Imagine an international community free of government, money, religion and strife; a town where all nationalities, ethnicities and races live together in peace and harmony, where everyone is driven by a common philosophy and a desire for human unity and where spiritual evolution is placed above economic growth. It hasn’t worked out quite as perfectly as planned, but nevertheless a township of that kind – and the world’s largest existing spiritual utopia – has been growing dynamically in south-east India over the past 48 years. Words by Dini Martinez.

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oundation and philosophy

Auroville is not just another hippie haven. It was designed to be a poster child for India itself. According to a 1982 Indian Supreme Court ruling, Auroville is “in conformity with India’s highest ideals and aspirations”.

In 1968, Mirra Alfassa, spiritual collaborator of Sri Aurobindo and known by her followers simply as ‘The Mother’, founded the project aspiring to a better world. Its four-point Charter sets out her vision of integral living:

1. Auroville belongs to nobody in particular: it belongs to humanity as a whole. But to live in Auroville, one must be the willing servitor of the Divine Consciousness.

2. Auroville will be a place of unending education, of constant progress and a youth that never ages.

3. Auroville wants to be the bridge between the past and the future. Taking advantage of all discoveries from without and from within, Auroville will boldly spring towards future realisations.

4. Auroville will be a site of material and spiritual research for a living embodiment of an actual Human Unity.

Structure

A cylindrical green belt forms the invisible barrier that marks the official parameters of Auroville. Past various ecological farms and communities, one ends up at a peculiar golden-egg shaped piece of modern architecture: the Matramandir. A two-storey, solar-

powered, rather sterile white meditation hall, covered with real gold plates and surrounded by the silent Peace Area – a green array of manicured gardens – forms the centre of the ‘City of Dawn’.

Although originally intended to accommodate 50,000, today Auroville’s actual permanent population is no more than 3,000, comprised of 50 different nationalities. The main languages spoken are English, Sanskrit, French, German and Tamil. The process of becoming an Aurovillian is long and not inexpensive. In fact, to become an official resident, the 60 per cent foreigners require initial funds higher than most Indians will ever have.

Furthermore, a monthly contribution is expected by Aurovillians, who are asked to help the community whenever possibly by work or money. Most residents spend the rainy season back in their home countries to stock up on the reserves necessary to keep living the dream. Visitors are asked for a daily guest contribution which also contributes to Auroville’s budget. » 17

SOME VISITORS COME TO VOLUNTEER WITH ONE OF THE FARMS, RENEWABLE ENERGY PROJECTS OR HANDICRAFT PRODUCTIONS TO GET A GLIMPSE INTO THE EVERYDAY LIFE OF A DIFFERENTLY STRUCTURED SOCIETY

Previous page: Matrimandir, Auroville Top: Sri Aurobindo Left: Mirra Alfassa Bottom left: Yoga school Below: Visitors volunteer with farming energy projects

« Travel to Auroville: where to stay, how to get around

and what to do

There are over 450 guest beds in Auroville, covering a variety of different budgets and standards of guest houses and home-stays. As the whole area is very large and spread out, the best way to get around is by motorbike or bicycle. Cars are strongly discouraged from entering Auroville, so the mostly dirt roads are dominated by plenty of dogs, some ox carts loaded with hay and the occasional small tour bus. Traffic can get heavy at dusk, when herds of cows head home and everyone else seems to want to get somewhere too.

There are plenty of restaurants, as well as some communal kitchens, in the compound. In theory, conventional money is not used as currency. In reality, the Aurocard, which visitors are requested to buy, is not widely accepted and it is advisable to always carry some cash with you. The same applies to the activities on

offer, which include yoga, tai-chi, movement improvisation, different kinds of alternative healing sessions and courses, on-going discussion groups on the integral yoga of Sri Aurobindo and more. Especially during the visitors’ season – between December and March – there are also classical Indian dance performances, movies at the Cinema Paradiso and Sadhana Forest evenings.

Some visitors come to volunteer with one of the farms, renewable energy projects or handicraft productions to get a glimpse into the everyday life of a differently structured society. All these projects, as well as private 18

households, also offer plenty of employment opportunities for surrounding villages.

Issues in paradise: crime, secretive budget and spiritual searching

Although the Indian government donates more than $200,000 a year to Auroville, and UNESCO has protected the township since its beginnings, the professed utopia has a laundry list of problems, including robbery, sexual harassment, rape, suicide and even murder. Visitors, especially female ones, are generally advised not to go out alone at night.

A more mundane issue is the question of who controls the money in a ‘money-less’ society. Auroville’s official website merely depicts a vague pie chart which gives percentages but no actual numbers. Most official residents do not know where their mandatory donation for a house goes. Some living in the more fanciful and experimental dwellings have found their home advertised in random architectural magazines several months after moving in.

However, the majority of Aurovillians seem little bothered about money. They are artists, dreamers, spiritual seekers, eco-farmers and creative adventurers – most of them friendly and open-hearted, as well as lost and lonely in that particular way of those searching for something quite intangible – not even they themselves necessarily knowing exactly what it is.

A better or worse society?

Overall, Auroville has as many successes and failures to point at as most of the rest of the world, albeit possibly slightly different ones: an opaque monetary system, tangles of bureaucracy and the natural fiascos occurring when humans interact. On the other hand there are plenty of innovative projects, a great proportion of energy gained through solar panels, organic farming, spontaneous art and theatre shows, a spiritual education and – more than anything – the courage to try and turn a dream into reality.

YOUR OWN PERSONAL STYLIST AT OASIS

Contemporary high-street fashion brand Oasis has announced the launch of a My Personal Stylist service at its Sliema store.

My Personal Stylist is a complimentary service offering customers the opportunity to book a personal one-to-one appointment with a professional style advisor. Whether looking for the perfect outfit for a special occasion, a new work-day wardrobe or simply a seasonal update, the My Personal Stylist service can help with any style challenge.

As Oasis Brand Manager Valerie Ashibane explains, “Great customer experience is part of Oasis and our

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focus is to give customers a great environment, great product and great advice, which is why we are thrilled to launch our complimentary My Personal Stylist service.�

Appointment bookings can be made in-store or through the app on the Oasis Fashions Malta Facebook Page. The Oasis stores are located in Tower Road, Sliema and Zachary Street, Valletta. This service is also available after shopping hours till 8.30pm.

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PASSIONATE ABOUT ART, FOOD... AND EYEWEAR

TANIA ATTARD is the co-owner and manager of The White Sheep artisanal food shop in Gzira, and is also a brand ambassador for Silhouette eyewear. She tells First about her passion for art, food and the eyewear that has transformed her life. Photograph by Jonathan Borg.

T

ania describes herself primarily as an artist.

“I worked in graphic design for many years, simultaneously finding time to draw and paint.

For as long as I remember, I have always drawn, anything and everything, and it is my passion.

“After that, I am a foodie. Some eight years ago, I decided to move on from graphic design, and together with my sister Sarah, who shares the same love for design and food, we set up The White Sheep. It is a reflection of us both, a food store with a difference. We use our passion for design and food to source some of the best foods in the artisanal market and sell it from our store in Gzira,” she explains.

As for the eyewear she represents, “Silhouette is an exceptionally unique brand that combines style with truly superior quality,” she says.

“It is stylish eyewear, super light and extremely comfortable. I love Silhouette eyewear: it gives me confidence and reflects my personality and style.”

We talked a bit more about her day-today work.

“I always find time to start off my day with my walk or a session at the gym, as it refreshes my thoughts, but once I get to work, I literally do not stop until we close at 7pm, sometimes beyond, depending on the time of year.

“I am responsible for the daily running of the shop floor, which

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includes a cheese and charcuterie area, and a degustation bar. I make sure all is perfectly stocked and that everything looks delicious, inviting and as perfect as humanly possible. For the degustation bar, I make sure our fresh local ingredients are the best we can find locally. This is extremely important to us. We need to have the local best to use with our artisanal products which we import directly from small producers across Europe and beyond. It wouldn’t make any sense at all if it were otherwise, so I am constantly making sure that what we receive is of optimum quality.”

Tania and her sister get to do a lot of tasting, not only of products, but also of the foods they create for the degustation menu. “I research and do a lot of tastings of different ingredients to put together in our salads and ciabattas, which is a rather pleasant part of the job! It’s a long and hectic day, but I love the work and I mostly love the fact that it also involves interacting with clients. I wouldn’t change it for the world.”

We move on to discuss the eyewear she is proud to be brand ambassador for. “I was in my mid-40s when I had to

accept the fact that my once-perfect eyesight was letting me down and simply reading a magazine or a menu was becoming a strain. I started off with purchasing a simple off-the-shelf pair from the opticians, only to realise that I actually needed to use them much more often than I thought I would. That’s when I bought my first Silhouette pair. It was an almost natural decision. I had already come across the brand and immediately loved it, through my brother, who had purchased his first pair of Silhouette sunglasses some 20 years ago. I have been wearing Silhouette spectacles and sunglasses exclusively, ever since.”

Tania believes that Silhouette is an exceptionally unique brand since, unlike other brands where design sometimes takes over function, Silhouette manages to marry design impeccably with comfort.

“All their eyewear is so very light, I forget I have specs on. I can’t be wearing some heavy framed glasses 24/7, especially since mine is a rather long day. It would totally tire me out.

“Moreover, Silhouette offers the option of tailor-made eyewear,

changing even the basics into unique works of art. Using customised shapes, sizes and colours, I can always get a bespoke pair of glasses, a service which, I believe, no other brand offers. I love Silhouette, there’s personality behind every piece of eyewear,” she enthuses.

Tania feels the same about the sunglasses range. “They offer super UV protection and great style. I’ve been wearing Silhouette for some 20-odd years and own a good collection of successful, classic models. Nowadays I opt for the limited edition ones.”

To conclude, we asked Tania if she has any particular recommendation from the Silhouette range.

“Yes I do,” was her reply. “I am particularly in love with the Titan Minimal Art range. Rimless eyewear, no screws, no hinges.

“It’s what I love best about them. I’m not into heavy frames. They are so light and delicate, and yet so durable. I have all the protection and vision I need, and yet, it’s as if I’m wearing none at all.

What more could I ask for?”

Silhouette eyewear is available exclusively a O’hea Opticians, The Strand, Gzira.

IT IS STYLISH EYEWEAR, SUPER LIGHT AND EXTREMELY COMFORTABLE. I LOVE SILHOUETTE EYEWEAR: IT GIVES ME CONFIDENCE AND REFLECTS MY PERSONALITY AND STYLE

Outfit from 1-2-3; shoes and hat from Aldo Shoes & Accessories; Tosca Blu bag, Cour de Lion ring, Nour bracelets and necklace from Porto.

COUNTRY RIDER PHOTOGRAPHER, STYLIST AND ART DIRECTOR: FEDERICO PELTRETTI MAKE-UP AND HAIR: TERRY STANOJCIC MODEL: MARTINA GRECH

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Betty Barclay outfit from MEI; shoes from Aldo Shoes & Accessories; Tosca Blu bag, Gaby necklace, Lola Rose ring, Nour bracelets and earrings from Porto.

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Outfit from 1-2-3; shoes from Aldo Shoes & Accessories; Radley London bag; Stamerra bracelets, Nour necklace and rings from Porto.

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Shirt and coat from F+F; jeans from 1-2-3; shoes from Aldo Shoes & Accessories; Tosca Blu bag, Stamerra bracelet, Lola Rose stone ring, Nour necklace and ring from Porto.

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Principles Petite by Ben De Lisi outfit, Faith shoes and Red Herring purse from Debenhams; Dunsk Smykkekunst necklace and left hand bracelet, Nour bracelets, earrings shiny ring and right hand bracelet, and Cour de Lion stone ring from Porto.

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Betty & Co outfit from MEI; shoes from Aldo Shoes & Accessories; Braccialini bag, nour right hand ring, Cour de Lion left hand ring and Squadra Blu bracelets from Porto.

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Dress from Tommy Hilfiger; shoes from Aldo Shoes & Accessories; Radley London bag, five Gaby bracelets, Nour bracelet and ring from Porto.

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Outfit from F&F; shoes from Aldo Shoes & Accessories; Ripani bag, Dusk Smykkekunst left hand bracelet, Nour rings and bracelet from Porto.

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OUTLETS FEATURED 1-2-3, Westin Dragonara Resort, St Julian’s.

Tel: 2374 5031 MEI, Westin Dragonara Resort, St Julian’s.

Tel: 2137 6690 Porto, Portomaso Shopping Complex, St Julian’s.

Tel: 2137 2079 Tommy Hilfiger (Tommy Hilfiger Shoes & Accessories Store, The Point; Tommy Hilfiger, Valletta; Tommy Hilfiger, Baystreet) F&F, Level 2, Daniels Shopping Complex, Hamrun; Level 0, The Plaza Shopping Complex, Sliema.

Debenhams, The Point Shopping Mall, Tigné Point and Main Street Shopping Complex, Paola. Tel. 2247 2000 ALDO Shoes & Accessories, The Point, Tigné, Sliema. Tel: 2060 1104. Mob. 9975 1057 Zachary Street, Valletta. Mob. 9989 2331 Paola Square, Paola. Mob. 9989 2332 Arkadia, Gozo. Tel: 2210 3319

Dress and belt fromTommy Hilfiger; shoes from Aldo Shoes & Accessories; Ripani bag and Nour bracelets from Porto.

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Treat yourself to these Vitti Ferria Contin handmade designer earrings in black rodium from Palazzo Parisio 99.90

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OUTLET DIRECTORY: PORTO, Portomaso Shopping Complex, St Julian’s, Tel. 2137 2079. 1-2-3 Paris, Westin Dragonara, St Julian’s. MEI Boutique, Westin Dragonara, St Julian’s. Tel: 2137 6690. Tommy Hilfiger Shoes & Accessories Store, The Point, Sliema. Monsoon, Bisazza Street, Sliema.

Tel: 2134 6080, 2131 7951 . Aldo Shoes & Accessories, The Point, Tigné; Zachary Street, Valletta; Paola and Arkadia, Gozo. F&F, Plaza Shopping Complex, Level 0, Sliema and Daniels Shopping Complex, Level 2, Hamrun. HENRI Luxury Gift Boutique, Pjazza Tigné and Mdina (next to Palazzo Falson). Tel: 2010 6306. Palazzo Parisio, 29, Victory Square, Naxxar. Tel: 2141 2461 .

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LONDON FASHION WEEK

HIGHLIGHTS

Maltese fashion photographer Bernard Polidano got himself a pass to some of the top shows at this year’s Autumn/Winter 2016 London Fashion Week held in February. Describing it as a “rollercoaster once-in-a lifetime experience”, he shared some of his favourite snaps with First. » Clockwise from top left: Designer Olivia Buckingham; a Sid Neigum creation; model Doina Ciobanu wearing Dior; a Sid Neigum creation; random street fashion; a Sid Neigum creation; Stylist Eva Borland; a Minki Cheng creation.

36

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THE OUTDOOR GLOW After Healthy Glow Sheer Powder, which became an iconic make-up product in less than three years, CHANEL has now launched a new-generation easy-to-use product: Healthy Glow Foundation. This fluid foundation concentrates the expertise of optical science and plant properties that withstand all conditions.

OPTICAL SCIENCE TO ENHANCE NATURALNESS How can you recognise CHANEL’s signature healthy glow? Is it the golden and slightly rosy glow on a woman’s cheeks? Or the impression of a flawless complexion?

CHANEL Laboratories studied the specific characteristics of a natural healthy glow. This analysis led to the creation of the Healthy Glow Booster. This singular titanium dioxide absorbs light rays to reflect their white component and transmit their red component through skin for reflection on the skin’s surface.

The result is a fresh and slightly rosy halo.

This very unique mineral pigment is joined by carefully selected soft focus powders to even out and embellish the complexion with a sheer finish. The complexion is simply enhanced with the most natural sophistication.

INVISIBLE FOUNDATION FOR A VISIBLE HEALTHY GLOW Healthy Glow Foundation is easy to apply.

The fluid texture follows every curve of the face, gliding effortlessly under fingertips to reveal a naturally enhanced complexion and nothing more: evened out with a sheer finish, subtly mattified with unique radiance, the perfect replica of an outdoor glow.

A TAILOR-MADE RESULT To allow every woman to find the shade adapted to her skin tone, CHANEL offers a complete palette of eight shades. The adjustable pigments adapt to the bare complexion. Reveal an even more luminous glow by picking a tone lighter than your skin tone. Choose a tone-ontone effect for a complexion with a natural glow, or select a darker tone for a slightly sun-kissed result.

Foundation coverage can also be customised and developed to be worn with the lightest touch or more intensity, the formula ensures a transparent halo or a more sophisticated finish on result, depending on the amount of product applied.

AN ICONIC BOTTLE Healthy Glow Foundation comes in a frosted glass bottle with a clean design.

Ultra-practical, it requires no brush or special applicator: just your fingertips.

Like all of the products in the Les Beiges line, it stays with you all day long, in your handbag and on your skin.

Chanel is distributed by Alfred Gera & Sons Ltd 40

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FASHION ECONOMY Monique Chambers explores the economy of the world of fashion through the prism of the latest spring and summer 2016 trends.

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S

eeing the trends on display for spring/summer 2016 were a real surprise to me.

You see, I pride myself on my nous and nose for predicting what's next. It's a simple formula. The shapes of trousers are completely opposite, skirt lengths go up and down faster than the FTSE and the palette of colour normally morphs from season to season and changes completely for the next year; neons become pastels, berry shades become inky, and as for themes, do you ever remember a spring without the nautical blue and white combo? Or a year when military was stood down?

But this year it seems there are more themes than normal to choose from, and with technological advances in textiles, the speed of manufacturing and multiple role models, the surprising thing about the 2016 collections is that the designers and influencers seem to be showing a conscience, not for the environment but for the state of the economy.

Yellows

I swore when I was about 14 and neons came in, that I would never ever, wear yellow. Ever. But here I am, third season running, looking forward to having a golden tan to show off golden yellow items that are threatening to fly out of the shops having been seen on the runways.

Shades of banana, custard and lemon curd will sure brighten our spirits in this gloomy time.

And have you noticed the elaborate beading in vogue this year? This is not a cheap process no matter how far East your production is, but this sign is just one of many that shows fashionistas will not be deterred or depressed by the financial situation the whole world seems to be in.

Skirts

Full skirts are fashionable again for the first time in donkeys – or at least for the first time since donkey jackets were in (and if you don't member those, you will be coveting one soon). Again, the amount of fabric is excessive for the economic climate, and not content to stop with metres of cloth, layers and layers of chiffon and frills from feathers to net, pleats and patterns have taken over the below the knee brigade – such exuberance hasn't been witnessed since the boom of the 1980s.

Embroidery

And speaking of exuberance, the shine factor from the silks, satins and metallics will surely have bankers reaching for their sunglasses. Embroidery is in evidence on leather and the texture tailors have invented fabrics that will have you running to your mum to wash them with care.

One thing’s for sure in my eyes: there is no denying that mass manufacturing, Internet shopping and globalisation have had a positive effect on the fashion industry, which has resulted in there being no denying the fashionistas.

Clockwise from left: Two designs incorporating yellow from the latest spring/summer collection of Malta’s Charles & Ron, which also got a prestigious mention in New York’s Pantone Fashion Report; a very yellow design from Salvatore Ferragamo; a 2016 version of the classic donkey jacket; various brightly coloured designs from Milan Fashion Week’s spring/summer 2016 collections.

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TOP 10 GREEN PARENTING AND HOUSEHOLD TIPS New to the world of parenting? Read on to learn some simple choices that can help make the future of our children brighter, including cloth nappies, edible bath products, recycled toys, less plastic, more natural cleaning products and reduced expense! By Dini Martinez

T

he large-scale challenges that our world faces today are not simple to resolve. Many headlines talk about ‘the greatest environmental threat ever seen by humanity’. We are tapping into the resources of the generations to come in a way that any future historian will only be able to call utterly selfish and irresponsible. Arguably, as parents we have more responsibility than anyone else to try and do the right thing to reduce the disastrous pressure being placed on our planet’s limited resources.

Now that Leonardo Di Caprio’s Oscar speech has made climate change sexier once again, let’s have a look at what we busy, time-poor people can do to influence the fate of our blue – but not so green – Mother Earth.

1. Cloth nappies

Every disposable nappy ever produced still lies in some landfill today. They do not decompose and

WE ARE TAPPING INTO THE RESOURCES OF THE GENERATIONS TO COME IN A WAY THAT ANY FUTURE HISTORIAN WILL ONLY BE ABLE TO CALL UTTERLY SELFISH AND IRRESPONSIBLE

make a substantial dent in the parents’ weekly budget. Cloth nappies, on the other hand, require a greater initial financial investment, but once a supply of 20 or so is yours, they will serve you for all your children and a greener future. Their environmental impact can be further reduced by washing with cold water, air-drying and using eco-friendly laundry detergent such as wash-nuts. If cloth is not your style, try using non-chlorinated or fully biodegradable nappies for your compost.

2. Wipe with water

Simple cloth or bamboo wipes and a bowl of warm water is all you need to clean your baby’s bottom without any of the potentially nasty chemicals found in baby wipes. For when you’re out and about, use a little box to store the damp wipes.

3. Natural nappy rash solutions

If you are breastfeeding, look no further. Mother’s magic milk is full of antibodies, anti-oxidants and anti-bacterial properties. A few drops on baby’s» 45

YOU CAN GROW SOME HERBS NEAR A WINDOW EVEN IN THE SMALLEST CITY SPACE OR IN THE TINIEST OUTDOOR AREA. SEARCH THE WEB AND YOUR LOCAL AREA FOR URBAN PERMACULTURE TO ALLOW YOU TO GROW MORE WITH LESS gift. And speaking about green gifts – why not give some herbs in a pot, or a natural soap and shampoo pack (such as found in Malta’s home-grown Soap Café in Sliema) to get your friends on a greener and healthier track too?

8. Toy it back to basics

«bottom will do. Moreover, breast milk can also be used for many other ailments, such as conjunctivitis, insect bites, stings, infected wounds, burns and abrasions.

If you are not breastfeeding, try organic calendula cream or kitchen corn as a baby-powder substitute.

Also, reduce the amount of acid foods such as tomatoes in your baby’s diet.

THERE ARE LOTS OF ALTERNATIVES TO PLASTIC ITEMS COMMONLY USED IN THE KITCHEN, INCLUDING ALUMINIUM, CERAMIC, ENAMEL, BAMBOO, STAINLESS STEEL, WOOD OR EVEN BEESWAXCOATED COTTON FOOD WRAPS 46

4. Edible bath products

The last thing soft and sensitive baby skin needs is the nasty petrochemicals usually found in commercial baby products. Just because hospitals use free samples does not mean that they are safe! Pure bath water is really enough for cleaning, but if you insist on a creamy feel, fill an old stocking with a small handful of organic oats, close it with a knot and throw it in the bath. It’s deliciously soothing for grown-ups too!

5. ‘Green’ your baby-food

Changing your entire grocery list to organic may seem daunting. Instead, aim to buy some things organic, like baby food and broccoli. In Malta, the Veg Box from Villa Bologna, St Vincent’s Farm in Mellieha, the Organic House in St Paul’s Bay, Casa Natura in Sliema and Good Earth in Balluta Bay offer a variety of organic products. Apart from tasting better and being healthier, it sends a message to manufacturers, farmers and the wider community that it is worthwhile producing food without nasty chemicals.

6. Grow your own food

You can grow some herbs near a window even in the smallest city space or in the tiniest outdoor area.

Search the web and your local area for urban permaculture to allow you to grow more with less.

Think out of the box and the rewards will save you not only cash but also pesticides and flavourless greens.

7. Party-plan the green way

Large gatherings can often lead to large amounts of waste. To make any party eco-friendly, send “evites” instead of invites and scavenge for vintage linens instead of disposable tablecloths. For gift-wrapping, consider using a nice kitchen/tea towel or a scarf. As well as saving trees, it adds a special something to your

Many modern toys contain polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which releases toxic fumes into the air – or into your baby’s mouth if it ends up there!

Go back to basics and encourage children to play outdoors. In any case, babies and toddlers often just want to imitate what you are doing: A saucepan and a few pots, a box full of wooden spoons or different scarves can be most fun. You can also search for wooden toys finished with non-toxic paint. Moreover, buy second-hand and thus prevent toys ending up in a landfill and causing pollution created by manufacturing and transport. Finally, why not create a communal toy swap or set up a toy library?

9. Reduce, re-use and recycle plastic containers

Plastics are usually derived from petrochemicals and degrade extremely slowly. Most release substances with estrogenic activity when heated, so definitely avoid microwave and direct sun exposure.

There are lots of alternatives to plastic items commonly used in the kitchen, including aluminium, ceramic, enamel, bamboo, stainless steel, wood or even beeswax-coated cotton food wraps. A first and easy step could be recycling your glass jars and using them for storage, as a Tupperware substitute or next time you make your own jam or chutney.

10. House Cleaning

Inexpensive and widely-available bicarbonate of soda and cleaning vinegar are one of the most efficient household-cleaning products without the carcinogenic side-effects of many of the commercially produced cleaners. Anything will shine, from floors, over bench tops, sinks, and fridges to baths, basins and toilets.

For mirrors and windows, apply eucalyptus oil or vinegar with a wad of newspaper to prevent fogging. If the smell of vinegar doesn’t rock your boat, add a dash of lavender oil or put some orange peel in your vinegar bottle. For smelly carpets or sofas, sprinkle on bicarb soda before vacuuming to eliminate any unpleasant odours.

Last but not least, spread the word! Your family, friends and neighbours may feel just as overwhelmed as you do about going green. Now that you have a good handle on small ways to be eco-friendly, pass on these tips to others who may be interested. And if you think you are too small to make a difference, just think about the last time you shared your bedroom with a mosquito!

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from home. This allowed me to schedule my meetings in the morning, telephone meetings during nap times, and get more work done during the evening if needed whilst still successfully fulfilling my role in the company.

Now that the boys are older and being more demanding, I took the decision last February to switch to part-time hours where I now only work three to four times a week, mornings only.

obs for Mums Malta is a job search engine different from any other in Malta, explains Katja.

“It has been created with the aim of providing a platform which helps advertise and find flexible or reduced hour job opportunities for a better work-life balance.

Advancements in technology have given a new dimension to the concept of being a typical employee, and it also has facilitated how a regular family operates.

More than ever, this has opened the doors for women to successfully undertake jobs while simultaneously raising children.

“Women who are professionally driven will always be driven no matter where their desks are, and women who have become Mums and are attempting to return to the workforce are bringing more skills with them, not less. I am a strong believer that there is a huge talentpool out there which we are missing out on,” she says.

What do you think are the main problems faced by mothers who wish to work?

There is definitely a lack of flexible work opportunities, and the ones that do exist are lost in the numerous job advertising platforms which are full of many other job opportunities which the flexible job seeker usually finds do not fit in with their life.

Apart from offering flexibility, are the jobs available on your search engine of any specific type?

What made you decide to set up the website?

The idea of Jobs for Mums Malta came to me at the end of last year.

It was probably an underlying thought which I’ve had for a long time, but the catalyst was yet another post from a frustrated Mum who wanted to work I read on Facebook.

I thought we needed a platform where employers who had reduced hours and flexible job opportunities had a place to promote them to an interested audience, and a platform which allowed Mums to easily search and find these jobs.

How will the search engine work?

Jobs for Mums Malta is free and very simple to use. Mums, or anyone looking for a flexible work opportunity only needs to access the website and browse for a job using the user-friendly interface. I have designed the website and search engine in a way that one can be specific in their search, giving only search results which they are interested in. For example, you can search for from ‘home only jobs’, ‘parttime only jobs’, or even choose which hours of the day you are available to work and the results will provide you the available job opportunities which meet the exact criteria.

Are you also a mother as well as a career woman yourself?

Today, I am first and foremost a wife and a Mum to my four-and-a-half year old twin boys Adam and Zak, then a career woman. Work-life balance to me means fulfilling the role of career woman within you, because I feel I am a better "me" if I feel fulfilled by my work life, but also by finding the time and fulfilment in playing with my two little boys. That is something I would not trade for the world.

After many years of travelling and total commitment to my work, I knew

A WORKING CONNECTION Katja Dingli Bennetti is a Purchasing Director with an International Destination Management Company. For the last 16 years her career has been focused on hospitality and the travel industry, but she recently decided to do something about the much-discussed national need to encourage more participation by women, particularly mothers in the workforce. So she founded the website www.jobsformumsmalta.com (Jobs for Mums Malta), a job search engine entirely dedicated to advertising flexible job opportunities. She tells First about what led her to take the plunge. Photography by Jonathan Borg. that once the boys where born I wanted to be home more. However, as a professional, I was not willing to throw away my career which I had worked so hard for.

I was fortunate. My employer at the

time valued my work and without any hesitation agreed to allow me the opportunity to work from wherever and whenever I could get the job done. So once the boys where born I worked my mornings at the office, and afternoons

WOMEN WHO ARE PROFESSIONALLY DRIVEN WILL ALWAYS BE DRIVEN NO MATTER WHERE THEIR DESKS ARE, AND WOMEN WHO HAVE BECOME MUMS AND ARE ATTEMPTING TO RETURN TO THE WORKFORCE ARE BRINGING MORE SKILLS WITH THEM, NOT LESS

Jobs for Mums Malta is available to any employer: private, state or otherwise, as long as the opportunities offered are flexible full-time jobs, reduced hours, part-time jobs, term-time jobs, work-fromhome jobs, project-based jobs or even short term job opportunities. ‘Regular’ full-time jobs cannot be advertised.

How hard — or easy — has it been to find employers who were willing to adapt their vacancies?

I would be lying if I said it was easy. If only employers knew the numerous advantages they would gain by offering flexible work opportunities, I’m sure many more would do so.

Having said that, Jobs for Mums Malta was only launched in the first week of January and I must admit that the response from job seekers as well as companies has been more than I could have hoped for. The future looks bright. There are forwardthinking employers who have the job opportunities: it’s just a matter of finding them, or them finding us.

So you think there are many employers that are not aware of the enormous untapped potential of mums?

Yes, in large part I don’t think many have yet realised how much talent is sitting in our homes. But I hope that through the little bit of help from Jobs for Mums Malta, and our success stories which will come from it, this will change.

In this spirit, I started our Maltese Working Mum Interviews. These are featured about once a month in our website’s blog section. They are real Maltese working Mum stories which we share with our followers through our social media platforms. I hope that they will show Mums at home that it can be done, and show employers how successful Mums are being at their jobs.

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DEALING WITH A DILEMMA

Dear Claire

I have been going out with my boyfriend for four years now. I am head over heels in love with him and he seems to reciprocate. He is tall and handsome and is very keen on always looking good. He also has a beautiful character. On Valentine’s Day he proposed to me. I am obviously delighted and we are planning to get married in June 2017. I am looking forward to starting my life with him but at the same time am scared and anxious. I cannot understand what it is that attracts him to me. I am not particularly pretty and quite overweight. I have tried many diets and been to a number of nutritionists who promise results, but nothing has worked up to now. Is there any way you can help me please?

THERE IS OBVIOUSLY NO HARM IN SEEKING SPECIALIST HELP SUCH AS A NUTRITIONIST’S TO HELP US HAVE A GOOD RELATIONSHIP WITH FOOD. MAKE TIME TO EXERCISE OR GO TO A GYM, AND TO VISIT BEAUTY THERAPISTS TO HELP YOU WITH YOUR DAILY BEAUTY REGIME. THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IS TO BE CONSISTENT AND TO DO IT ALL WITH A SPIRIT OF WELL-BEING 50

W

omen are like a bouquet of flowers: they all have different shapes and styles, but all are beautiful in their own unique way. Even though the media tries to dictate otherwise, there is no one mould for beauty. In fact, the parameters in this respect have changed over the years. They also differ from culture to culture. So, while society sets the basics, it is important that we all give it our personal twist based on our physical structure, as well as our own likes.

The emphasis today is more on health. We all strive to live a natural, healthy lifestyle which not only helps ward off disease but also rewards us with beautiful glowing skin and voluminous shiny hair whilst keeping us in good physical shape. All of these are different for each individual.

Furthermore, we need to nurture and work on being beautiful individuals.

The secret to all of the above is, beyond everything else, eliminating

self-doubt. We all tackle our beauty demons in our own way, based on our perceptions as well as our personal experiences. However, an important key is to understand our personal style based on our shape and size and find ways of being able to look our best and to regain confidence.

There is obviously no harm in seeking specialist help such as a nutritionist’s to help us have a good relationship with food. Make time to exercise or go to a gym, and to visit beauty therapists to help you with your daily beauty regime.

The most important thing is to be consistent and to do it all with a spirit of well-being.

What I am getting at here is that it is sometimes pointless to go out of your way, or spend a fortune on make-overs and surgery, because beauty is a seed that needs to be watered with selfacceptance and self-confidence and which, above all, needs to complement your lifestyle.

With regard to your relationship, you have been very blessed with a man who in your eyes is beautiful both on the inside and out. He is smitten by you to the extent that he would like to commit to a life with you. The fact that he is also keen on looking good is an added bonus. This enables you to work together to bring out the best in each other even when it comes to

NEVER DOUBT THAT YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL. WE ALL ARE. JUST CULTIVATE ACCEPTANCE AND KINDNESS IN YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH WHO YOU ARE AND HOW YOU LOOK. YOU CAN LEARN TO KEEP YOUR INNER CRITIC AT BAY. THERE ARE SPECIALISED TECHNIQUES TO HELP YOU FIND AND RADIATE YOUR TRUE BEAUTY, TO RELEASE ANY NEGATIVE BELIEFS AND MAKE ROOM FOR NEW POWERFUL SUSTENANCE – THAT OF ACCEPTANCE, FULFILMENT AND, ABOVE ALL, INNER PEACE appearance. You can go for long walks or to the gym together. You could experiment with healthy cooking.

Never doubt that you are beautiful. We all are. Just cultivate acceptance and kindness in your relationship with who you are and how you look. This is where I can help. You can learn to keep your inner critic at bay. There are specialised techniques to help you find and radiate your true beauty, to release any negative beliefs and make room for new powerful sustenance – that of

acceptance, fulfilment and, above all, inner peace.

Once you reach this balance, you can then focus on learning skills such as applying make-up and dressing in a way that suits your body shape, whatever that may be. But always distinguish between being glamorous and being beautiful. Beauty comes from deep within and goes far beyond make-up, hair, nails or clothes. The latter are merely a fun way of embellishing yourself and standing out while

expressing your unique style.

In a nutshell, beauty is the balance between self-confidence and fashion and one cannot be without the other.

You may or not be wearing the most expensive designer outfit, but remember that beauty radiates from deep inside.

Your smile, your eyes, how you move, the freedom with which you carry yourself and, above all, who you are that makes you the beautiful, desirable person that you are. Everything else is just an accessory.

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MEDITERRANEAN DELIGHTS

This month, First chef Ingrid Mercieca has prepared an alternative take on the traditional Maltese rabbit dish, followed by a scrumptious dessert simply bursting with some of the best ingredients the Mediterranean can offer. Photography by Peter Mark Mercieca.

Black olive and raisin rabbit in milk stout Serves 4 Ingredients: 4 boneless chicken breasts One rabbit, cut into pieces (ask the butcher to do it for you or buy your preferred cuts) Olive oil for frying A handful of black olives (with the stone still in) A handful of raisins 6 cloves garlic, crushed One large onion, finely chopped 3 bay leaves Bottle of Lacto Milk Stout or similar Pepper and salt to taste

Prepare the marinade by mixing the garlic, bay leaves and stout and let the rabbit marinate for several hours, preferably overnight. The stout tenderises the rabbit and shortens the cooking time.

Heat some olive oil in a pan and brown the rabbit pieces all over.

Remove from the pan and set

aside. In the same pan, fry the onions until soft and brown. Add the olives and raisins and mix well.

Return rabbit pieces and all the marinade to the pan, bring to a simmer, cover and cook for at least two hours on medium heat. If needed, add more stout or some water if the rabbit starts to dry out.

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Citrus, honey and yoghurt pudding Serves 4 Ingredients 300g digestive biscuits 120g salted butter 1.5kgs zero fat Greek yoghurt Grated zest of one lemon, one orange and one tangerine One pack of lemon jelly crystals (regular or sugar-free) 4 tbs good quality honey Juice of the orange and lemon 9'' springform tin Toasted flaked almonds and honey to serve 54

Gently melt the butter – do not allow to overheat. Crush digestive biscuits (using a plastic bag and a rolling-pin is the easiest way) and mix with melted butter.

Press into the base of the springform tin and refrigerate while preparing topping.

Heat the orange and lemon juice and dissolve jelly crystals, stirring well. Set aside to cool. Place yoghurt, zest and honey in a clean bowl and combine well.

Slowly add the jelly, mix thoroughly then pour over biscuit base. Refrigerate overnight... it can also be frozen. Remove from freezer 10 minutes before serving.

Run a flat-bladed knife carefully around the inside of the springform tin before releasing the catch to ensure the filling comes away cleanly from the side. Serve topped with toasted flaked almonds and drizzled honey.

This month’s chef, Ingrid Mercieca, offers catering services and individual orders for all occasions. You can also choose from cakes, jams and chutneys and special occasion goods like figolli for Easter and mince-pies and Christmas logs for Christmas. She can be reached via her Facebook page Gooding Real Food by Caring Hands or via e-mail on ingsol@onvol.net.

INVESTING IN PEOPLE Kevin Norville has been the Director of Human Resources at Tipico, the German online gaming company based at Portomaso, for the last two years. He has 15 years’ experience in the HR field, but believes his approach to HR is much more business-driven, delivering value from the human resources in the organisation back to the business.

K

evin, your CV states that you’ve What have been your biggest achievements at Tipico so This shows that we’re serious about bringing talent on board, keeping the talent, motivating it and worked for four companies in five far? countries: the US, Spain, the UK, The first of my three biggest achievements I’d say facilitating career progression within Tipico.

Australia, and now Malta. What can would be helping the company to establish our own you say about each country and how mission-vision values. The second achievement would What kind of qualities do employees need to bring to the they compare in terms of business be the recruiting model and how we recruit employees job? practices? and bring them on board, and the third would be the Key qualities of Tipico employees are motivation,

Yes, culturally the people are different, and it’s very important to recognise and respect both cultural and mindset differences when building teams. These differences make the teams unique and stronger.

Having gained experience across many borders, I have become sensitive to recognising these differences and to placing importance on respecting them.

I think it’s important as here at Tipico, for example, we’re building a company of people with like minds that bring the passion and the skills with them to help us achieve our business goals. All these things need to align. As we’re bringing new people on board not only are we looking at their functional or technical capabilities, but also their cultural fit.

Our culture is centred on the values that we have set up as a company, the values that we live on a daily basis. These values determine how we work together, what we expect from our peers, and how we make decisions. All these are the cultural components of who we are: the DNA of the company, in a way.

What are your main responsibilities on an average day?

Oh, my average day is a bit all over the place! I interact with people, from the most senior to newest recruits. The topics we discuss would range from things like assessing the skills that a manager might need to help him build up his or her team, to compensation issues, to budget issues regarding headcount growth.

Today, my work included developing bespoke training courses for our people managers, the leaders within the organisation. Tomorrow it could be a contractual discussion, or hiring a new executive or director to the company.

You need some wide-ranging talents and skills to be able to handle all this...

Absolutely! I’ve done a lot of different things, in other words, a ‘jack of all trades’ in the HR field.

I have had the fortune to build up my competencies in hiring compensation, benefits, employer branding, events planning, engagement, offices services, talent management, career management, performance management, payroll, communication, management of change, culture, and the list goes on.

This wide range of experience helps me make decisions on how to invest or conduct process improvements in HR. The starting point is always the business need and value that HR can deliver.

Having a wide range of HR experience ensures we arrive at the best decision. It is fundamental to link everything we do in the HR function back to business in its origin.

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employer branding.

We’ve emphasised heavily the need to brand ourselves as the top employer on the island. Talent management is another success I’m working on: once we’ve attracted the talent, how we retain it and keep it as fully engaged as possible.

To the outsider, it’s not immediately apparent that Tipico is such a big organisation with all kinds of jobs in all kinds of different departments...

That’s very true, we offer career opportunities in many functions including marketing, bookmaking, product management, software development, legal, finance, IT, HR, customer operation, business intelligence, business analysis, casino and retail. As a company, Tipico focuses on investing in its people.

WE’RE NOT LOOKING FOR PEOPLE WITH STATIC MINDS, BUT FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE VERY FLEXIBLE AND PEOPLE WHO ARE A STEP AHEAD This does not just mean training, it means having outstanding offices, providing a good atmosphere and offering career opportunities. I believe we are topnotch employers and one of the things I would like to do is continue to develop the offerings that we have for employees, to ensure that we get recognised as being the best place to work.

Do many opportunities for advancement exist within the company?

Yes, as a matter of fact we’ve recently seen a surge in internal promotions. Now that the company is a certain size we can promote from within. We have new roles constantly opening up. We always advertise our roles internally as well as externally to ensure that we get the best candidate for the job and when possible we do promote from within.

passion, drive, and a will to be part of the success of Tipico.

We’re not looking for people with static minds, we’re looking for people who are very flexible and people who are a step ahead. I want to be ahead of the competition and bring on people that can help us achieve that goal.

In order to be ahead you need to bring people on board who have the mindset to drive to that innovation, to drive to transforming where we are today into something that establishes us as an even stronger market leader in the future. The mindset of getting ahead of the competition starts with us bringing the right people on board.

Recently, Tipico has been collaborating with a number of organisations. Is this part of your employer branding strategy?

Yes we’ve partnered with KSU, the University students’ council, including sponsoring the student common room, and there’s also been participation and sponsorship of career fairs. At the career fairs we’ve had our employees speak with the students to give potential candidates a good feel for what Tipico is all about. Our employees talk about what it’s like to work with a gaming company, and how high the level of professionalism in the company really is. These are the things that we want to showcase.

This approach is intended to get future candidates to think: “hey I want to work for Tipico because they’re a great place to be, they’re the company everyone is talking about, and they’re very selective in who works for them”.

Do you feel there is now more awareness to what Tipico is all about?

I think we hit the nail on the head when it came to our employer branding strategy. We coupled employer branding with the change in our recruiting model and we have seen the size as well as the quality of our candidate pool increase. I cannot tell you how many times I’ve been told “I’ve seen your advertisement in that publication,” or “what Tipico’s doing is really pushing the bar in Malta on employer branding”.

Probably, for me, one of the most flattering experiences or examples of whether or not our employer branding strategy is successful is to see how other companies are copying what we’re doing, and that means we’re doing something right. That doesn’t mean that we can sit and rest, we need to continue to push into new ways of getting the brand out there. When others recognise your work, you know that you’ve done a good job, and that’s a really good feeling.

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MADRID ART FAIR

The ARCO Madrid International Contemporary Art Fair celebrated its 35th anniversary last February, with a one-of-a-kind edition to mark the occasion.»

Gallery Archade Caroline Achaintre, ‘Lone’, 2015, hand tufted wool, 246 x 210 cm 58

A

RCO Madrid played host to a total of 221 galleries from 27 different countries, including 169 galleries in the General Program, 18 galleries in the Solo Projects section, and another 18 galleries in the Opening program. The fair paid tribute to its own history with a special commemorative program titled “Imagining Alternative Futures,” bringing together 35 galleries from 14 countries that over the years have helped establish ARCO MADRID as “a nexus for international art world encounters.” Each of the galleries presented two artists whose work resonates with the unique context of this year’s special edition, with the aim of showcasing the diversity of international contemporary art practice and highlighting particular moments from the history of the galleries themselves.

The General Program at ARCOmadrid 2016 brought together 169 galleries from around the world, including 47 galleries from 10 countries in Latin America, representing 26 percent of the international participants, as well as an increased number of galleries from the Middle East. Galleries which participated in the General Program included Thaddaeus Ropac, PrazDelavallade, Giorgio Persano, Marilia Razuk, Nathalie Obadia, Galerie 1900-2000, Alfonso Artiaco, Denise René, Isabelle Van Den Eynde, and Selma Feriani.»

Galerie Nordenhake Study for Goldberg Variation #1, 2015, 2 fluorescent lights, fixtures, filters, 122 x 8.3 x 8.3 cm | 48 x 3 1/4 x 3 1/4 in

Galerie Bärbel Grässlin Stefan Müller, Untitled, 2015, Acrylic on fabric, 155 x 140 cm 59

«In keeping with its long-standing policy of promoting the presentation of solo or dialogue projects, both the General Program and the curated sections emphasized booths presenting only one or two artists, reinforcing the fair’s position as what it describes as “a creatorcentered research fair.”

This year’s Solo Projects section brought together 18 galleries presenting projects linked to the two themes that have been selected as the basis for this year’s: “Art at the Intersection of Time” and Subversion by Way of Humor.”

The Opening section at ARCOmadrid 2016, curated by Juan Canela and Chris Sharp, featured 18 emerging galleries, all younger than seven years old, including Daniel Marzona, Michael Jon, Agustina Ferreyra, Sabot, Samy Abraham, Joseph Tang, and Proyectos Ultravioleta.

ARCO Madrid 2016 also paid tribute to its home city through the “Año 35” project – a series of artistic interventions curated by Javier Hontoria, placed in different spaces and institutions throughout Madrid, some of which are artistic institutions, and others which have no link to contemporary art.

Graham Wilson, Institutionalized, 2015 Paper, ink, time clock Variable dimension Courtesy: Brand New Gallery and the artist 60

Handmade candleholders by Mdina Glass are available in a variety of sizes, shapes and colours and come empty (ideal for use with tea lights) or filled with hand-poured wax in a choice of exquisite fragrances. The carefully blended wax ensures a slow, cleaner burn. Available from Mdina Glass outlets and online at mdinaglass.com.mt. For more info call 2141 5786 or email onlinesales@mdinaglass.com.mt. Follow at facebook.com/mdinaglass.

Stylish handmade vase lamps by Mdina Glass come in various shapes and colour combinations to ensure there is something for all styles of interiors. The wide range of lighting solutions by Mdina Glass also includes pendant lights, floor standing ball lights and chandeliers. Available from Mdina Glass outlets and online at mdinaglass.com.mt. For more info call 2141 5786 or email onlinesales@mdinaglass.com.mt. Follow at facebook.com/mdinaglass.

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TOP YACHT CHARTERS NAUTICA LTD has been established in the marine industry since 1988 and is today acknowledged as the leading provider of yacht charter holidays in the Maltese Islands. The company owns a fleet of modern sailing yachts which are available either as bare-boat or sailed by our seasoned skippers.

This year Nautica Ltd invested in a new Beneteau Oceanis 48 with five cabins which will be added to our fleet of Beneteau, Jeanneau and Bavaria charter yachts, they are available in three, four and 62

five cabin versions.

All their yachts have been insured for commercial use and have also been licensed

by Transport Malta. You may charter for a day, a weekend or for a week and one may sail around the Maltese Islands or beyond.

They also charter a small selection of motor boats.

Contact Nautica Ltd for further information.

Tel: 2134 5138/9; info@nautica.com.mt; www.yachtchartermalta.com or www.nautica.com.mt.

HYBRID AND DIVERSE, THIS YOUNG COMPANY IS COMMITTED TO ENSURING THAT CULTURAL EXCHANGE IS A PRIORITY element of the way in which the company approaches dance. Mavin Khoo strongly believes that it is the clarity of this quasi-philosophy that will eventually enable the development of a recognisable identity – a niche that is specific to the company alone and its role as a cultural ambassador for Malta.

The dancers of the company are a mix of Maltese and non-Maltese nationals.

The coming together of diverse cultures is integral to Mavin Khoo’s vision, which is to develop an ensemble of artists that is reflective of 21st century Europe. Hybrid and diverse, this young company is committed to ensuring that cultural exchange is a priority and that the company serves as a collaborative hub where creative interchange between dancers and artists from various disciplines occurs.

At present, the company is working on a new full-length work entitled

A TIME TO DANCE

M

avin Khoo’s experience in the world of dance is extensive and he continues to work all over the world with some of the most important international dance figures and companies, including Akram Khan and the English National Ballet.

Under his leadership, the ŻfinMalta Dance Ensemble sets out to develop world-class work that includes major international choreographies as well as education and outreach initiatives.

However, the establishment of ŻfinMalta as a public cultural organisation has presented new challenges. The needs of an international touring company and the specifics that come with that in relation to its administrative, logistical and

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In September 2014, a. group of people came together to start their first day of work as fulltime dancers of the ZfinMalta Dance Ensemble, the first national .contemporary dance company on the island. Led by international soloist Mavin Khoo, ZfinMalta has gone from strength to strength, developing into an ensemble of artists that is reflective of 21st century Europe. Their next project is an exciting piece titled Home. Photography by Niels Plotard. artistic requirements necessitated changes to operational procedures.

Through this has come a new chapter for a sector that is rapidly growing and that supports and encourages the development of the professionalisation and internationalisation of dance in Malta.

In a short span of time ŻfinMalta has successfully grown into a repertory company of substance. The company essentially commissions new work from both international choreographers and Maltese emerging talents. International collaborators have been specifically chosen and invited to participate by Mavin Khoo, who is keen to have the company incorporate diverse styles and genres that philosophically will support and contribute to the artistic vision of the company.

Indeed, philosophy is an important

Home. Choreographed by Mavin Khoo and the dancers of the company, the work explores the notion of identity through the life-journey of a single man, as danced by company member, Jure Gostinčar. The sound design for the work is the first full-length score created by Niels Plotard, formerly part of the main company of dancers, and now the company’s Resident Creative Artist.

Lighting and costume designs will be

by Italian artists Moritz Zavan Stoeckle and Deborah Rossetto (NO.ME Studio) respectively. British actor Felix Brunger will provide a recorded narrative that supports the choreography.

Home will be premiered in Malta at the Teatru Manoel on 29 April at 8pm and 30 April at 2pm and 8pm and in Gozo at Teatru Astra on 7 May at 8pm.

A DANCE-THEATRE WORK THAT EXPLORES THE NOTION OF IDENTITY BY TAPPING INTO THE CYCLE OF LIFE

CHOREOGRAPHY BY MAVIN KHOO & DANCERS

MALTA PREMIERE, TEATRU MANOEL, VALLETTA 29 APRIL 2016 I 20.00HRS & 30 APRIL 2016 I 14.00 & 20.00HRS €20 I €15 I €10* TICKETS

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GOZO PREMIERE, TEATRU ASTRA, VICTORIA 7 MAY 2016 I 20.00HRS new.ticketline.com.mt PHOTO: NIELS PLOTARD

€20* TICKETS

* CONCESSIONS AVAILABLE FOR STUDENTS AND SENIOR CITIZENS. RELEVANT IDENTIFICATION MAY BE REQUIRED AT THE DOOR.

Above: Colin Fitz, Daphne Bugeja, Anthea Huber, Fabrizia Cleland, Matthew Camilleri, Marie Benoit

CLELAND AND SOUCHET’S NEW WINE CAFÉ

Top left: Silhouette Ambassador Tania Attard and Celia Melillo Top right: The O’hea Opticians staff: Ritianne Spiteri, Gabriella Camenzuli, Richard Magro, Doris Galea, Mariella Magri and Paola Bresils Above left: Celine Fenech Adami, Tania Attard and Sarah Borg Above right: Celia Melillo, Xandru Grech and Mariella Magri

New Brand Ambassador for Silhouette The latest brand ambassador for Silhouette eyewear, Tania Attard, was announced at a reception held at O’hea Opticians in Gzira earlier this month. Tania Attard is also the owner and manager of The White Sheep artisan food shop (see page 22).

A C&S Wine Café was inaugurated at the Vivaldi Hotel, St Julian’s last month, the third to be opened in Malta since the first was launched at the Cleland & Souchet flagship outlet in Portomaso in 2013. The second outlet was opened in the departure lounge of the Malta International Airport in 2014. The concept of the C&S Wine Café is that of a “chic café by day” and “stylish wine bar by night”.

The outlet offers a menu of light and healthy meals and classic hot dishes to their signature platters to share, while great emphasis has been made on offering exceptional coffees and a market-leading selection of at least 20 wines by the glass.

social whirl

Above: Shaun Ungaro, Roberta Xerri, Alexia Pirotta Hamsworth, Tamsin Pace Decesare, Stephanie Attard, Daniela Falzon and Elainia Farrugia

VICHY DERMABLEND LAUNCH AT XARA LODGE The Vichy Dermablend [3D Correction] texture innovation in corrective foundation product was launched at a red carpet gala event held at The Xara Lodge on 11 March. Demonstrations were held by international make-up artist Allison Depriestre, and these were followed by a lavish reception.

Charles and Ron launch their latest collection Malta’s dynamic fashion duo treated clients to champagne and nibbles as they launched their spring/summer 2016 signature collection at their stylish Republic Street, Valletta shop in late March.

FIFA Live Your Goals Festival for girls On the occasion of International Women’s Day, the Malta Football Association Technical Centre’s Grassroots and Women’s sector organised the now-established FIFA Live Your Goals festival at the Centenary Stadium, as part of their mission to continue developing women’s football in Malta. Over 190 primary school girls from St Dorothy’s Junior School, Sliema and St Joan Antide School, Gudja participated in the festival. girlsfestivals@mfa.com.mt 66

Tommy Hilfiger Accessories store opening

Top: Ron Van Maarschalkerweerd, Jenny Manduca and Zvetlana Pace Centre: Sandro Rizzo and Nicole Farrugia Above: Caroline Paris and Dorianne Mamo

A reception was held to mark the opening of a dedicated Tommy Hilfiger accessories store in Sliema last month.

Located at The Point, the store is part of a growing portfolio of Tommy Hilfiger locations worldwide and is operated by Trilogy Ltd, the brand’s franchise partner in Malta.

The store showcases the latest spring/summer 2016 Tommy Hilfiger accessory collections for men and women including footwear, bags and wallets. It joins existing Tommy Hilfiger sportswear stores in Valetta and St Julians, and a Hilfiger Denim store that is also in Sliema’s The Point shopping complex.

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Above: Eddie of Molecular Scoop, Sean Xeureb Conti of Jus, the artist Goxwa and Lily Agius of Lily Agius Gallery

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Opening of Goxwa at Jus

Lily Agius of Lily Agius Gallery and Sean Xuereb Conti from Jus Dine & Wine restaurant teamed up to give their. guests a night to remember, exhibiting works by the exceptional Maltese artist Goxwa, who lives and works in Paris. The exhibition is supported by Molecular Scoop, David Xuereb from Gallery Last Touch, Sandro Zammit from G Molton, La Bottega, Mark Soler, and The Malta Independent. Art will be on display until the end of May at Jus, 13 Main Street, Attard, every day except Tuesdays. For more information call Lily on +356 9929 2488. www.lilyagiusgallery.com

LAST WORD Actor CHRIS DINGLI recently had the distinction of being featured in two highly significant parts in two movies showing in our cinemas at the same time: Hollywood blockbuster 13 Hours and local comedy 20,000 Reasons. First asked him about these, as well as The Comedy Knights and Bad Dad, shows that have placed him firmly back in the spotlight of the Maltese performing arts scene.

When and why did you start performing in Malta?

My first production was in 1997 with MADC. It was the Christmas panto Puss in Boots, directed by Chris Gatt. I was in the chorus and had auditioned for the show after performing in the Junior College Students’ Night. That seemed to go well and gave me enough confidence to audition for panto.

When and why did you decide to give it a shot in the UK?

As soon as I started acting in local productions, I knew that I could be happy being an actor for the rest of my life. It’s hard to explain, but it felt like something slid into place and clicked. Up until then, nothing seemed quite right for me. Back 68

then in the 1990s, the only way to be a full-time actor was to go to the UK. So I began dreaming, and then planning. I left for London as soon as I could.

What were the highlights of your career in Malta before you left?

I would say Cabaret and Amadeus, both at the Manoel Theatre, directed by Anthony Bezzina of Masquerade. Those were both personal and professional highlights in my career as they set me firmly on the path to where I am today.

Other more personal highlights include a 1998 production of Grease at the Manoel, Charlie’s Aunt at the MADC Clubrooms and playing the Dame with Malcolm Galea in Cinderella, the MADC panto in 2003.

How hard — or easy — was it to move to the UK and start working in the arts?

Where do I begin? Living and working as an actor in London is not easy. That’s not to say it’s all bleak and depressing. It’s incredibly rewarding and challenging, but you have to be willing to work hard and make many sacrifices for it. At least that’s my experience. The obstacles are endless, from managing money to finding work.

The first challenge was paying drama school fees. To be able to afford it, I spent a year-and-a-half saving money by doing a full-time office job and several part-time jobs at the same time.

And I still needed a bank loan to help cover my expenses in London. Then, once you graduate, then things really get tough! You’ve got to really want it.

What were the highlights of working on stage and TV there?

Although I know that some jobs were more fun or prestigious than others, to my mind they’re all highlights. I know that sounds cheesy, but it’s true. It’s a tremendous gift to be able to do what I do for a living.

I’ve worked with some renowned companies such as Birmingham Rep, Secret Cinema and the BBC, with famous names such as Philip Pullman and Linda Grey, in famous locations such as Kensington Gardens and Leicester Square Theatre and playing famous characters such as Malvolio and Iago and Gollum. I’ve helped adapt novels to stage as in the case of I Was a Rat! and I’ve performed in Spain and Norway.

I’ve seen almost every part of the UK, thanks to the many tours I’ve been on.

I’ve shared my days with countless talented actors and creatives, I’ve directed circus shows, performed and directed at the Edinburgh Festival, and been on stages, walked down corridors and slept in dressing rooms that have previously hosted some of the world’s most revered names in the acting profession. Believe me, when you get to do what I do, every day at work is a highlight.

Can you tell us a bit about the less attractive aspects of being a full-time performer?

Learning to deal with the lows – near constant rejection, unemployment, and serious money worries, to name the big ones. Then there are things like seeing your friends start to earn some good money, buy houses, start families and go on holidays whilst you’re still eating baked beans out of a can because money is tight... and missing weddings, birthdays and other events because you can’t afford to travel. I’ve done a lot of touring, so being away from home can also be tough. I’m making this sound horrible, but it’s a life that I wouldn’t give up for the world.

Is it true that making it big in the acting world is all down to what type of agent you have?

Having a good agent definitely helps, but it’s not the full picture. You must be good at what you do, nice to work with and reliable. You and your agent are a team, and you must work in tandem, supporting each other. For example, my agent got me into the

GREAT WORK IS 10 PER CENT

INSPIRATION AND

90 PER CENT PERSPIRATION AND I’VE FOUND THAT TO BE VERY ACCURATE. ANYTHING I’VE EVER WRITTEN THAT WAS WELL-RECEIVED CAME ABOUT THROUGH THAT RATIO audition for a part in Doctors on the BBC, but then the audition was in my hands and I had to make sure I nailed it.

What made you return to Malta last year?

A change in career direction and personal circumstances. Over the last few years, I’ve been writing, producing and performing my own comedy material, and in 2015 some opportunities came up in Malta that allowed me to further develop my skills as a writer-performer. These included an offer to co-create the Comedy Knights TV shorts series as well as working on several film projects.

What have been the highlights since you came back?

I’m very proud of the Comedy Knights, which continues to grow in popularity each year. My one-man comedy Bad Dad premiered last November and will be playing in London in May, after another run in Malta. Shooting 13 Hours with director Michael Bay was also a highlight.

Indeed, earlier this year we saw you play a significant role in 13 Hours. Tell us a bit about the filming experience.

I thoroughly enjoyed the shoot. I played the role of Sean Smith, an American who died in the attacks on the American compound in Benghazi in 2012, which is what the movie is about. Although I’ve played historical figures in the past, this was my first time playing someone from recent history, whose memory is very much alive, and I felt the responsibility of that.

I only worked on it for about nine days. It was quite intense at times, especially shooting the action sequences in the villa. There were controlled explosions going off all around us and fires burning everywhere you looked. You didn’t need to use much imagination to picture yourself in that situation.

What were the ‘famous names’ such as Michael Bay and John Krasinski like?

They’re mostly just like you or me.

They’re people making a living, except that their work is seen and appreciated by millions across the globe.

Obviously, they’re very talented and extremely good at what they do and working with them is an education.

But talking to them, they’re people with families and friends and hobbies, like all the rest of us.

Were you involved in any of the film’s publicity or pre-launch activities?

I attended the film’s premiere in Dallas, Texas. It was a huge event at the 80,000-seat AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys. They showed the movie on a massive screen, the world’s fourth-largest high definition video screen, I’m told. It was great being reunited with the cast and crew to watch the movie with several thousand fans.

With the 13 Hours screen time on your CV, have your chances of getting similar or more important parts increased?

I hope so! It’s a big credit for me and I’m proud of the work we did on that movie.

When it comes to film acting, does it make more sense to be based in Malta with big movies shooting scenes here regularly, or do you need to be based somewhere like the UK or even the US to have chances of getting decent parts?

You can build a decent CV here in Malta, but you’ll find it extremely difficult to be cast in a main role in any major production shooting on the island. Main roles are always cast overseas, so although you can end up with quite a large CV that features some big-name films, the roles always tend to be minor. I’m not saying it’s impossible to get a decent part, that’s clearly not the case, but I think one’s chances are much reduced, at least for now.

Tell us a bit about working on the local film 20,000 Reasons.

I shot this film at the same time as 13 Hours and they could not be more different! This was also a blast to shoot.

The script was incredibly funny, and it felt great to be creating something

I WAS TERRIFIED OF BECOMING A FATHER BECAUSE I BELIEVED THAT SOME PEOPLE ARE NOT CUT OUT TO BE PARENTS, AND THAT I AM ONE OF THOSE PEOPLE

locally at this level. I’m proud to have been involved with the movie.

Shooting the scenes wearing the priest’s cassock and surplice were extremely uncomfortable because of the summer heat, but mostly it was a fun shoot. Shooting the scene in the confessional, one of the final scenes in the movie, was one of my favourite days last year.

We’ve seen, and heard you do a lot of comedy in Malta, but you’ve also done serious parts, particularly in the UK. Is it a fair question to ask what you are: a comedian or a serious actor, or can an actor be both?

I think an actor can be whatever he/she can possibly be. I trained in ‘classical acting’ and then spent a large amount of time touring in Shakespeare plays in the UK before moving into comedy. I suppose actors tend to be pigeonholed as one thing or the other, but from what I’ve seen, most actors can do both comedy and serious roles equally well. I’m lucky that I have the opportunity to do that, and to write material that gets performed and seen by so many people.

Is one born with a sense of the absurd or can one learn it?

I hate to say this but I think you can learn it. They say that great work is 10 per cent inspiration and 90 per cent perspiration and I’ve found that to be very accurate. That’s not to say that my work is great, but anything I’ve ever written that was well-received came about through that ratio.

My comic inspiration comes from different sources, depending on the style of writing required. Comedy Knights, for example, is a satirical show.

Most of the comedy comes from frustration. I write about things that annoy me and that make me want to say something, or make a point. Bad Dad, on the other hand, was almost therapeutic. I wrote about my fears about parenthood and tried to talk myself through them in a funny way.

How much of Bad Dad is a reflection of reality: struggling to cope with a tough career and a newborn baby?

It’s entirely a reflection of reality! It’s not real, there’s definitely an element of the absurd to it, but it’s all based on reality. The writing of the script came from a very honest and truthful place. I was terrified of becoming a father because I believed that some people are not cut out to be parents, and that I am one of those people. That’s not to say that they are bad parents, just that they do not possess normal parenting instincts and must work extra hard to overcome that. This makes it sound really boring, but it’s actually very funny!

Having lived in the UK for 10 years, and possibly eyeing a return there, what are your thoughts on the upcoming British EU referendum?

I honestly don’t know. What I do know is that I had to wait until Malta joined the EU to be able to afford the drama school fees. Before Malta joined the EU, drama school training and a career as an actor overseas seemed impossible. I’d hate for the situation to revert to what it was, except this time with Britain on the outside.

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IN WHICH RECENT HOLLYWOOD FILM DID MALTESE ACTOR CHRIS DINGLI FEATURE PROMINENTLY ?

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