With 40 years of experience in the media, entertainment, arts and culture sector, Kevin Drake will be breathing new life into Strada Stretta through a varied programme of activities that will surely attract a number of Maltese as well as tourists to this very iconic street in our Capital City.
The inspiration for the programme comes from the many families and artists born and raised in Strada Stretta. Innovative in nature, this series of events will welcome progressive artistic circles and those who are always curious and want to discover more. We will also welcome students, film fans, those who love alternative music and those familiar with poetry or jazz, among others.
The Strada Stretta Programme kicks off with the Tnejn għat-Talkies series on September 26th. Popular films will be shown every fortnight at the Embassy Cinemas, Valletta.
The programme also includes City Forever, a concert commemorating the memory of the father of jazz in Malta, Charles Gatt ‘is-City’; Str8 2 the Blues, a spectacular production of Blues music, and Pusé, Piazzolla, Plus +, a showcase of the talent of local violinist George Curmi ‘il-Pusé’, with an emphasis on tango music and the legacy of Astor Piazzolla.
In December, a market for artists will be held in Strada Stretta – the Strada Stretta Artists’ Market – where artists will be invited to showcase their works of art in Strada Stretta. The programme for this season comes to an end with Bejn is-Sagru u l-Profan, a musical event with the participation of The New Victorians, best known for their popular and contemporary music.
Valletta Cultural Agency Chairman Jason Micallef said that the plan to revive Strada Stretta started from Valletta 2018, with the programme still going strong until today with a brand new identity and Artistic Director Kevin Drake, who will be in charge of Strada Stretta’s cultural programme. Mr Micallef said that the Valletta Cultural Agency’s ambition is to provide a programme of unique events that pay tribute to this street and its history.
Arts Council Malta Chairman Albert Marshall said, “Valletta – the story, beauty, attraction, mystery and intrigue of Strada Stretta together with the energetic talent of Kevin Drake will surely result in success.”
Strada Stretta Programme Artistic Director Kevin Drake said that the main rationale behind this programme is to align what is unusual with the accessible. He also reiterated that this programme will continue next year.
For more information about the Strada Stretta programme and other events visit vca.gov.mt and the Valletta Cultural Agency Facebook page.
