Christmas 2018 by The Malta Independent

christmas The Malta Independent on Sunday 9 DECEMBER 2018

DECEMBER 2018

christmas

Monty the Penguin

Christmas Biscuit Box

The CHRISTMAS MESSAGE

Home for Christmas

Everyone awaits the annual Christmas film releases. But if there was an Oscar for the seasonal shorts made for the sake of advertising, these mini movies would be well in the running.

esperate to get their messages across, companies and retailers pull out all the stops to attract the largest number, and most responsive customers to their brands and products. They do this by employing the most compelling of tactics – playing to our emotions at this very sentimental time of year. And what triggers off these feelings: children, animals and, to a large extent, family/loving relationships. Ever since the 1930s, when a certain soft drink company achieved an amazing reaction by sending Santa Claus out, to promote their product in a bright red outfit instead of a green one, the power of Christmas advertising has proved immense. With so much competition Christmas TV ads are granted huge budgets and the greatest production values. Creatives spend months on the storyboard, design and filming stages. Celebrities and un-

Rang-tan

knowns are auditioned for parts. And anticipation of this year’s ad is sent buzzing through the media. When successful ads are launched, the enthusiasm of the public, and their response, to the best examples, make it all worthwhile. At this point there may well be a number of people wondering where on earth this is going. Our generally jixtri, jixtri, jixtri style of advertising has ‘plot lines‘ that have not developed since the 1960s; perennial groups of self-conscious ‘friends’, and ‘families’, or ‘loving couples’ who appear either stiff and embarrassed, or so over the top you wonder what they are taking. None of this is likely to keep you glued to your seat, or urge you onto YouTube for an encore, or to share it with friends. And, as most ads just echo each other or feature the same protagonist flogging everything from phones to financial services, it’s a job to remember what they are actually selling. So, as this is the time of year for shar-

Kevin the Carrot ing, may we suggest that you search for some of the most charming, amusing, uplifting and warm-hearted examples of retail marketing you could wish for. Each ad only takes a few moments to say so much. The entertainment value is excellent. We are certain that after watching some of the dozens of ads – several companies have put out one each year since 2000 at least, you’ll agree that even in

the cut-throat world of advertising the true spirit of Christmas can get through. We thoroughly recommend that you send off all the cards, sort all the presents then ban all interruptions for the next hour, curl up somewhere cosy with a drink, mulled wine or hot chocolate and indulge in an orgy of unashamed sentimentality; if we can’t do it at this time of year when can we! Just don’t forget the tissues.

We are really sold on these examples

The John Lewis ads, offer a different story each year. Beautifully made, they are among the most eagerly anticipated examples and carry the message of sharing and caring that Christmas stands for without featuring a single product. Far from glorifying greed and ‘I want’, they reflect unselfishness and generosity. Look out for The Bear and the Hare, The Fox and the Mouse, The Long Wait, Monty the Penguin, The Journey, and this year’s slightly different offering, featuring Elton John,among others. Aldi ads run the Kevin the Carrot series, excellent animation, cleverly written, very amusing and probably better appreciated by a more mature audience. Waitrose have been really clever this year with a special twist, highlighting the popularity of a fellow company. Their ads certainly attract attention with their sweet plots. Look out for Gingerbread Story, and Home for Christmas, it’s not what you’d expect. And for an ahh factor bonus find Mcvities’ Victoria biscuit ad. And remember a pet is for life, not just for Christmas. Sainsburys selling messages go for humour and spectacle as with Mog’s Calamity Christmas, Christmas in a Day, The Greatest Gift of All and The Big Night, but they also play the sentiment card, and very well too. Again, the message is not the commercial side of Christmas but the value of family, and the best of human nature. Look out for their 2014 ad, Christmas is for Sharing, with the World War I Christmas truce theme. Based on an actual true event this brilliant commercial ticks so many Christmas boxes it is still being viewed and shared on a regular basis. For anyone interested there is a short film on the making of the ad which explains how it came about, and illustrates perfectly the care and professionalism that goes into making all these seasonal gems. And, finally, the one that was banned, Iceland’s Rang-tan. In true Grinch mode advertising watchdogs are not allowing this Greenpeace connected cartoon story, showing what effects the wide use of palm oil in products has on the habitat of Orang-utans. The message is too political, they claim. This has backfired, as you would expect, and the message is spreading far further than an average ad would, owing to the reaction to the ban and the fact that the ad itself is so good and can, like all the others be found easily online.

christmas

DECEMBER 2018

GIFTS THAT GO ON GIVING Make this year you choose a present for all the right reasons.

ow are you getting on with your Christmas shopping? If you’re still summing up the effort to face crowds, parking misery and public transport distress, turn to some online charity gift ideas Putting real thought into a gift means thinking about the recipient and what Christmas means to him or her. And world-renowned charities have really upped their game in recent years with catalogues that are more than a match for other internet shopping sites. The added bonus is that gifts are designed and selected for the charity itself; so they certainly deserve a thought, as you work through your Christmas gift list. The World Wildlife Fund UK has something for children who long for a pet – a panda, tiger or polar bear adopted in their name. It is represented by a delightful soft toy version and details of its habitat. Regular updates on its progress are sent to the child throughout the year. Oxfam's online gift shop has dozens of original, practical and ethical gifts at very competitive prices. Dogs Trust's 2018 Christmas selection for the festive season has all the season's essentials including cards, crackers, gift wrap, decorations and gifts – for dogs and their owners. And local dog homes have sponsorship schemes. Save the Children's range of gifts and packaging would not look out of place on in top stores, and their prices are extremely reasonable. One hundred percent of the profits from the sales of their special selection of items, from independent ethical producers, goes to help change the lives of children across the world. The Cancer Re-

CORPORATE GIVING What is your company doing for Christmas? There is still time to plan an impromptu fundraiser to buy gifts or services for local causes. Decide what it will be, from wearing silly Christmas sweaters and hats to staging a spectator event, such as the really brave Thomas Smiths Christmas Charity swim. Instead of a Secret Santa, why not each buy a

search site has over 300 gorgeous Christmas gifts plus, like most of the other sites, cards, decorations and wrapping paper. Many international charities also offer virtual gifts, where your donation for a specific item, service or educational opportunity goes to a community or child in need. You can select anything from some hens or a goat to school equipment and medicines, to be given in the name of your friends. That would mean a lot to the ones who really do have everything and would rather give than receive; especially when they know just what their present represents. And, of course, there are many chances to shop locally for gifts sold on behalf of organisations that offer help and support to those who need it. Look out for the Christmas fairs, many of which raise funds to help make life better and bring the hope that Christmas this year will last a good deal longer than the traditional 12 days.

gift or make a donation to Dar Merħba Bik, a children’s home or Dr Klown. Christmas parties and lunches are great, but the work groups who spend some of the holiday time organising treats for those for whose Christmas needs a little extra joy this year will certainly benefit as much themselves. And for sure it beats paint balling and novelty football for team bonding!

Photo by David Axisa

THE THOMAS SMITH CHRISTMAS CHARITY SWIM REACHES ITS 20TH YEAR The Thomas Smith Christmas Charity Swim has come a long way since its inception in 1998. Marking its 20th edition, this year’s event is set to take place on December 30th at its usual location, on the pier below Independence Garden in Sliema. Held under the patronage of The President of Malta, the Christmas Charity Swim has become a longstanding tradition for locals and foreigners to gather for a morning of swimming and socialising. The event has become embedded within the Group’s culture, and people’s enthusiasm for the event is steadily noted through the considerable interest expressed. The day starts off at 09:30, where people are invited to gather and register their participation. Registration can be placed at any one of the desks on the promenade or within the swimmers’ zone. No fee is placed on attendance but donations are highly encouraged. Participants are urged to ask family, friends and colleagues to sponsor their daring effort, to reach a minimum of €50 per participant. Contributions collected on the day are presented to The President at San Anton Palace in January, on behalf of the Malta Community Chest Fund – an organisation whose mission is to distribute funds to individuals and groups, to improve their quality of life. 2018 will mark H.E. Marie Louise Coleiro Preca’s last year as Head of State and the Group is excited to extend their gratitude towards The President and her team, in respect to all their support throughout the past five years. Participation numbers keep growing each year, with 206 swimmers braving the cold and

swimming for charity in 2017, assisting in generating the total sum collected of €8,000. 2016 recorded the highest participation rate at 330 and €14,000 total donations. Over the 20 years in which the Christmas Charity Swim has been held, a considerable amount of €110,000 was collected. The day sees many people, old and young, first-timers and veterans, flocking to Sliema to make their mark through a brave jump in the cold waters of the Mediterranean. Wilfred Pirotta, a seasoned swimmer and one of the old-timers, has been supporting the cause since day one. “We’re a group of friends and we always meet and do it together. My mantra is ‘Il-baħar itik is-saħħa’.” A positive number of newcomers are welcomed each year, many of which feel the adrenaline rush that accompanies the extraordinary gesture and become yearly attendants. Medals are awarded to each participant personally by The President of Malta once the swim is over, to mark the act of kindness. Coffee, whiskey and sandwiches are distributed to help swimmers get their vigour back. Those who cannot attend but still would like to donate can forward their contribution via bank transfer to the following account: HSBC Bank (Malta) plc, 32, Merchants Street, Valletta. Account No.: 033-080037-002; Swift Code: MMEBMTMT; IBAN No: MT MT04MMEB443360000000330800 37002. Further information can be requested at charityswim@tcsmith.com or through the Charity Swim Facebook page. Registration forms can be downloaded online and filled in prior to the event.

DECEMBER 2018

christmas

Oh little town of GHAJNSIELEM In the foot hills of this Gozo village, at this time of year, you can find a beautifully crafted Christmas experience.

very probably a unique illustration of the Christmas story. All this came about on the instigation of Franco Ciangura, who masterminded the project. It takes place thanks to non-profit organisations in Għajnsielem, assisted by many local volunteers, the financial support of Gћajnsielem Local Council, and the Gozo Ministry. What was once a group of abandoned fields has become an attraction for tens of thousands of people and, quite justifiably, earned a place among the top 10 worldwide destinations to visit at Christmas. Tomorrow is the inauguration ceremony. From then on re-enactments will include Joseph and Mary's arrival in Bethlehem. And, on January 6, 2019, the feast of the Epiphany will see the three Wise Men departing from Malta, on horseback to Ċirkewwa, from where they will take the ferry to Mġarr and make their triumphant entry into the village, for the Adoration of the Magi. Whether it will be for the first time, or the 10th, a visit to Bethlehem in Gћajnsielem is something very different. It stands above the clamour and glitz of Christmas celebrations as somewhere special to remind ourselves how and where it all began.

Photo by Victor Fabri

nd 2018 is the 10th anniversary of the first appearance of Bethlehem f’Għajnsielem, the staging of the Nativity scene in a village, specially built and populated to be as close to how Bethlehem would have been at the time, as possible. We can wander through its streets, visit its homes, watch its workers in situ, and absorb very easily a feeling for the environment in which the birth of Christ took place over 2,000 years ago. Now, as then, villagers are at work or taking care of their homes and families; the mills turn, carpenters, bakers, fishermen and shepherds go about their business. Roman soldiers, of course, patrol the streets. Live farm animals, including an ox, donkey and lambs, or kids occupy their coops and stalls; a reminder of the simple town that would become a place of pilgrimage for the rest of its history. And one, as yet unknown and homeless couple are preparing for a special event, in a tiny stable. About 150 actors take on these realistic roles, wearing and using robes and tools that are carefully researched and locally made. During its 10 years the village has been continuously improved and enhanced, but only to add more depth and authenticity to what is

DECEMBER 2018

Photo by Victor Fabri

christmas

Opening hours

Photo by Victor Fabri

Between 10 December and 7 January Bethlehem in Ghajnsielem is open as follows: Sun, 9th Dec 2018 at 3:30pm to 7:30pm Wed, 12th Dec 2018 at 9:30am to 12:00pm Sat, 15th Dec 2018 at 4:30pm to 8:30pm Sun, 16th Dec 2018 at 2:30pm to 7:30pm Sat, 22nd Dec 2018 at 4:30pm to 8:30pm Sun, 23rd Dec 2018 at 2:30pm to 7:30pm Tue, 25th Dec 2018 at 3:30pm to 8:00pm Wed, 26th Dec 2018 at 2:30pm to 7:30pm Fri, 28th Dec 2018 at 4:30pm to 7:30pm Children can also enjoy learning about Maltese folklore through book reading sessions, a 'hands-on' session with some of the tools of the period tools, the special surroundings of the countryside and some local dishes.

DECEMBER 2018

christmas

From small BEGINNINGS Forty years ago MADC took over the reins of the Traditional English pantomime from the Royal Air Force's Ariel Players. Who knew, at the time, where it would lead?

anto then was staged almost entirely for members of the armed forces, UK based civilians and their families. And while the plots stuck closely to the original fairy and folk stories from which they took their inspiration, the rest of the entertainment highlighted the other raison d’être of this particular entertainment, the stinging, satirical slant of humorous jokes aimed at persons of note and current affairs. Few Maltese attended and those who did found very little to which they could relate to in the script. But in 1978 with the rundown of service personnel it was thought that people might miss the pantomime. A suggestion was made that, as the only drama club with a premises and budget large enough to take on such a production, the MADC could take over. The committee agreed and the task of writing a script, compiling the musical numbers, finding actors who could sing and at least move convincingly, plus costume creators, a choreographer, musical director and orchestra, set designer, stage manager and crew of enthusiasts to build and paint all the scenery and muster the props, began in earnest. Most of those involved, including the writer had experience gained only from having sat in a pantomime

Early attempts at flying in Aladdin, Jo Mompelo de Piro as Widow Twanky and Colin Easton as Wishee Washee, two traditional characters.

A real Shetland pony pulled Cinderella’s coach in 1978. Cinderella was played by Astrid Mifsud.

audience as a child. However expertise was found in the form of John Crabtree, an announcer on British Forces Broadcasting, who was also a UK actor and had ‘done panto’many times. He it was who explained the near sacared traditions that every pantomime followed: The principle female role was the dame, as grotesque and obviously male as possible; no drag queens in those days. The principle boy, on the other hand should be a gorgeous girl, remember this was before sexism had been invented. The overlying theme was good V evil, and the forces for good: Fairy Godmothers, magic geese, genies, clever cats in costume etc, always came on stage from the right hand side. Wicked demons and comic baddies came on stage left. An appropriately coloured spot light would shine on them whenever they appeared. They were cheered or booed by an eager audience whose participation was the name of the game. Children were invited on stage to take part in small stunts and rewarded with a gift. By the second performance a queue of wriggling tots was forming at the edge of the orchestra pit several scenes before they would be called up. The leading character, usually comic, or the dame, would make a traditional foray into the

audience to select a stooge for some adult banter during a complicated scene change. The deafening song sheet sequence came just before the finale. Also compulsory was the transformation scene, when every possible special effect was called in to create the gloriously happy ending. With modern staging effects, audiences’ expectations have soared in the past 40 years; so have the production values. Thousands of euros are spent creating extravaganzas that employ amazing lighting, screen projection, flying characters and so on. Costume designers’ dreams are answered without having to recycle robes from the previous year’s Shakespeare production, wardrobe mistresses don’t have to take costumes home to wash themselves because laundries are too expensive and, imagine this, the entire company are paid, not only the ‘professionals’. But, whatever the changes, many remember the happy days of early pantos with real affection. They were the ‘Charlie Hebdo‘ of their day; boldly tweaking the lyrics of current songs, and making full use of puns and double entendres, to acknowledge the state of the nation. Simple as they were they brought joy to thousands and always reminded us to ‘be nice to each other!’

This article is dedicated to the memory of Maestro Joe Vella and Johnny Joseph, two or the originals, with thanks.

Two stalwarts of the early panto scene share their experiences When MADC took over the panto, it seemed like a daunting task. Various groups got to work getting their teeth into the different departments. Together we built up this product we know as the Christmas Pantomime. Not being an actor, I got roped into the backstage scene, Set building, Props, Special effects and Flying of scenery and actors. Thankfully we had many knowledgeable people around to make for a great team. I myself worked my way up from stage hand to Executive Producer but my greatest achievement was to actually stage-manage the pantomime and I can say that having done 25, I have very vivid memories of the adventures we have had over the years. From October, MADC is usually a frenzy of activity. Having received the set designs, we would start building box sets, especially large props and scenery cloths to be flown. We needed to produce at least one set a week to give the artist a chance to paint them in time. The Manoel Theatre had very limited backstage space, so whatever we built had to be practical to dismantle and possibly even reversible to gain space. This, not being the cordless drills era, everything was hammered painted and taped over. Movein was an early morning affair

Chris Mifsud to get into the theatre as quickly as possible. The crew had to get the scenery flown and built up in time for that day’s first stage rehearsal. Getting all the different elements together was a difficult task with long rehearsals lasting till even 3am. It‘s not the first time the crew actually slept at the theatre to be up and working by 8am. Timings had to be perfect, scene changes kept to the shortest amount of seconds to keep the pace of the production. Relationships during panto were not uncommon and I was lucky enough to meet my future wife Angela during a panto. We are now a theatre family with my children also taking part. My daughter also met her future husband during panto so it’s very much a family affair. Chris Mifsud

There is no denying that I have strong ties to the MADC Pantomime. I started off playing Dandini in their very first Panto – Cinderella – at the Manoel Theatre, way back in 1978. I wore a silly hat with a large feather, which I hated, and a very short tunic. The following year, I was cast as Aladdin – apparently I had the legs for it, so the tunics got shorter! I recall that for the entire run, I had-to wear a pair of knee-high boots which were a size too small – the agony!! Not to mention that I was also pregnant... The things we do for the love of theatre! I played Principal Boy for a number of pantomimes, and then every other role imaginable. One of my favourite being Klotilda, the archetypal seftura’ who went about dispensing ‘pojjims‘ in another production of Aladdin. If I wasn’t on stage, I was

Nannette wearing ‘that hat’ with the ugly sisters backstage assisting in the make-up, wardrobe or props departments. The one time I was ASM, was a baptism of fire. On one evening, there was a ‘disturbance’ in the audience and the show had to be stopped for a brief period, and on another night, we had a bomb threat in theatre. In a strange twist of fate, the first panto I directed was also the last time the MADC panto was staged at the Manoel. In that production, Chiara Hyzler, who was playing Principal Boy, fell very ill and was too weak to be ‘flown down‘ from above the stage for an underwater scene – so I stepped in. I have to admit it was a marvellous

feeling to be back in tights and boots (and short tunic), 30 years down the line! I was also in the first panto at the MFCC at Ta’ Qali. and I wrote the script for the second one, Peter Panto, which I also directed. I have directed five pantomimes but my all-time favourite remains Scrooge. It ticked all the boxes – perfect script, perfect cast, perfect staging and perfect crew. It was truly magical! I’m not a great lover of Christmas, especially since it has become so commercial. Christmas for me means family, yes, but it also means panto! Nannette Brimmer

christmas

DECEMBER 2018

CHRISTMAS AT THE GATTS LOUIS GATT take a nostalgic look at the traditional family Christmas.

hristmas means different things to different people. But every year the one profundity that keeps resurfacing is: “Let’s all go back to the real meaning of Christmas.” And just what the season of Midnight Mass and mulled plonk means for me and my family is… neither mass nor mulling. I am not by nature a sybarite, I think of myself as a pretty down to earth sort of a bloke, but come Chris Kringle time and all that stuff goes out of the window. See, in the Gatt household Christmas means excess and then more excess. Food, booze, food, booze – repeat ad infinitum. The die was cast early in my existence: Christmas Day was spent at Nannu and Nanna’s house. My grandparents did Christmas lunch big time. There were usually about 12 or so of us around the dining room table; that’s Nannu and Nanna of course, my ma and pa, me, my elder sister, Marianne, Nannu’s brother, Uncle Ninu and Auntie Angelina. Then there would often be Uncle David, my father’s younger unmarried sister Aunty Grace; plus the next door neighbours, Dr and Mrs Pace-Jones and their large, very

large daughter Julia. Dr PJ was some sort of a lawyer and a professional bore. His wife countered him by rarely ever opening her mouth to speak, she was usually far too busy filling it with food. Our side of the family would normally arrive at Nannu’s around midday, whereupon my mother and my sister would decamp to the kitchen, to help Nanna, Aunty Grace and Salette the maid with preparations for the big eats.But by the time we got there, Dr Pace-Jones was invariably already well into his umpteenth scotch and soda. Uncle Ninu would normally arrive last, just in time to sit down to eat. He was a lovely man, some five years younger than Nannu but he looked considerably older. This was probably due to the fact that he had lived a very hard life. Not hard working, you understand, but hard drinking. My pa used to reckon he could shift two bottles of single malt a day in his prime. Even in the1950s and 60s, that would cost a fair bit. But this was no problem for Uncle Ninu since he’d had the good sense to marry a very wealthy Italian woman, Aunty Angelina, who was no slouch herself when it came to getting on the outside of a few glasses of scotch. This invariably led to her

most annoying habit, that of bursting into song. She was quite likely to let rip with a couple of impromptu arias from La Traviata or Aida It wasn’t that she had a bad voice, I’m no expert and I suppose it was passable to middling, but it was also a deafening screech, sung directly into my ear, not half a metre away.She claimed to be deeply in love with Giuseppe Verdi, but since the great man had been dead several years before she was born, we must assume their love affair to be strictly in her head – and therefore extremely platonic. We rarely sat down to eat before 2pm, by which time Uncle Ninu, Auntie Angelina and the neighbours would be well lubricated. Traditionally we started with oxtail soup, which was Nannu’s favourite and a constant staple in his house. This would be followed by colossal slabs of timpana, before the main

course. Every year an enormous leg of pork would be brought, crackling and sizzling, to the table. This had been cooked in the bakers’ oven two streets away and conveyed to our table by the fleet-footed Salette. It was accompanied by roast potatoes and Brussels sprouts. This just about did for me, so I rarely had room for a dollop of Nanna’s trifle which, so I’m told, was awesomely good. The adults accompanied their meal with a great deal of wine, while we kids stuck to fizzy pop. Some took coffee and Nannu, still stone-cold sober, would open a bottle of port and light a cigar. After this some of the guests and Nannu would take a siesta, mostly out of necessity. The ladies (except for Auntie Angelina, who would have passed out in an armchair) would wash up and we kids would go outside to chase the neighbourhood cats – we never ever caught one. At around 6.30pm we would all return to the house for tea and cake in the sitting room. All except the heavy drinkers, who would round off a pleasant day’s drinking with yet another drop. At around 8p.m on Christmas night – and only on Christmas night – we would indulge in charades. As a kid this was the bit of the celebration that I

enjoyed most. Watching, otherwise dignified, adults struggling to convey book titles, films or TV programmes via mime could be hysterically funny. I remember one occasion when the neighbour’s globular daughter Julia was obliged to mime the movie title, A Night to Remember (The original Titanic movie). In the course of conveying the clues the poor girl attempted to contort her vast proportions into an embarrassing array of shapes, to no avail. I believe it was a, by now, totally plastered Auntie Angelina who suggested, not too sotto voce, that all the poor creature had to do was just stand there, to successfully impersonate either the ship or the iceberg. It was at this stage that Auntie Angelina would exhaust her Verdi repertoire and move onto the works of Giacomo Puccini, who, she claimed had once told her she had a unique voice and should have become a professional opera singer. But, since Signor Puccini had, like Verdi, expired as long ago as 1924, the story, however entertaining, seems unlikely. Usually the guests would start to depart around 11pm. Uncle Ninu and Aunty Angelina, by now comatose, would leave in a taxi; the rest lived within staggering distance. And so another Christmas at Nannu and Nana’s drew to its inevitable end.

DECEMBER 2018

christmas