Theatre has always been a lively and well-represented part of the local cultural scene. A variety of local and international drama, dance and music troupes perform on the Islands, creating a very vibrant theatrical calendar of events. There are various alternative venues; the 18th century National Manoel Theatre, St. James Cavalier Cavalier Centre for Creativity, the Mediterranean Conference Centre, the Old University building in Valletta and the University of Malta at Tal-Qroqq. Gozo also holds two theatres, each one extremely popular with their opera calendar. With the fantastic weather on the Islands, open-air venues are also very popular and make for spectacular stage sets. Astra Theatre Aurora Opera House Manoel Theatre Mediterranean Conference Centre MITP Theatre St. James Cavalier Powerhouse Theatre