Scenographer Marco Bartolo passed away on July 22, 2024.

The Teatru Manoel announced the news stating, “It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we inform you of the death of our colleague and friend, Marco who passed away today, 22nd July 2024. Marco was a professional scenographer and his contribution towards the theatre over so many years was invaluable. Teatru Manoel extends its condolences to Marco’s family and friends. “

Bartolo worked with the Teatru Manoel for more than 30 years and was behind the sets and scenery for several stage productions produced at the theatre, including “Lucia di Lammermoor.”

Regarding his work in the theater, Bartolo said, “Back then there weren’t many of us [at the theatre]. We had two carpenters, myself and I had somebody with me who was still very young. One could say we put up a great opera between us. That was a very big thing at the time, and I am still impressed at how we managed to do it.”

Tenor Jose Cura remembered the artisan via social media and said, “Some days ago, Marco Bartolo, chief artisan of Malta’s Teatru Manoel, has passed away. In the picture the day I payed tribute to him after ‘Tosca’ last year, due to his retirement. Malta’s artistic family and all of us who knew him, will miss his art and his humanity.