Teatru Astra is a landmark theatre in Victoria, Gozo, rooted in the La Stella Philharmonic Society and shaped by opera, musicals, concerts, theatre and international performers.
About the theatre
Teatru Astra in Victoria, Gozo was inaugurated in January 1968. It forms part of the Soċjetà Filarmonika La Stella, a larger musical voluntary organisation founded in 1863.
Across the years, the theatre has hosted international performers including Raffaella Carrà, The Goggi Sisters, Al Bano and Romina Power, The Platters, Bobby Solo, Osibisa, the Montparnasse Ballet Troupe, Nek, Amedeo Minghi and the Ballet Classique de Paris.
Milestones
Teatru Astra is inaugurated in Victoria, Gozo, strengthening the cultural work of the La Stella Philharmonic Society.
The theatre ventures into opera with Rigoletto, beginning a major production tradition that would include works by Verdi, Puccini, Donizetti and others.
Following the fire of 8 November 2003, Teatru Astra is refurbished and continues its role as one of Gozo's leading cultural venues.
The theatre expands into musicals with Grease, followed by productions including Evita, Jesus Christ Superstar, Sister Act and The Sound of Music.
The Teatru Astra complex and La Stella Philharmonic Society undergo a major refurbishment project during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Teatru Astra patrons have heard world-class singers from the Metropolitan Theatre in New York, Teatro alla Scala and Sofia State Opera House, including Ghena Dimitrova, Pamela Kucenic, Adelaide Negri, Francesca Patane, Joseph Calleja, Nicola Rossi-Lemeni, Aldo Protti, Mark Rucker, Rumen Doikov, Daniela Dessi' and Giuseppe Giacomini.
The stage has welcomed operettas including Merry Widow, Principessa Della Czardas, The Gondoliers, The Great Waltz and Geisha, as well as works by Shakespeare, Goldoni, Ibsen and Molière.
Festival Mediterranea is an initiative of Teatru Astra and is marketed internationally, extending the theatre's cultural reach beyond Gozo.
Local talent has been encouraged by the theatre management and has remained central to the venue's artistic identity, with internationally acclaimed artistes including Miriam Cauchi and Joseph Calleja making important operatic debuts on the Teatru Astra stage.