The birth of the Salesian theatre in Sliema

Abstract

This dissertation examines the origins of the Salesian Theatre in Sliema, Malta. Built in 1908, this theatre was one of the first Salesian theatres outside Italy, the country where the Salesian order of Catholic brothers and fathers established in 1859. The dissertation therefore discusses the creation of this theatre within the context of the Salesian vision of educational theatre, as well as the general contribution different Catholic organisations gave to educational theatre. The local context is also analysed, with reference to the amateur theatre of the period and the presence of touring companies from overseas and the issues related to language and social class in the early twentieth century. The choices made regarding the architecture are discussed in relation to the functions performed by the theatre within the Salesian praxis. This study uses archival material held by the Salesian community as well as academic publications on religious and educational theatre and other historical and theoretical writings.