A seminar – laboratory that intends to offer visitors the opportunity for a first acquaintance with the interesting and complex world of the Opera dei Pupi in Catania.
First of all, the differences between the different types of puppetry (puppets, marionettes, puppets) and the stylistic differences between Catania and Palermo puppets will be illustrated.

Fiorenzo Napoli, having shown the materials and the ancient tools of the trade, will continue with some essays on the working of the “busts” and “armors”.

The participants will thus be able to understand what specific skills are necessary for the construction of an authentic puppet theater according to traditional techniques. Subsequently, the dynamics of the realization of the show will be clarified.

Having examined the ancient canvases traditionally used by puppeteers, considering the new dramaturgy of the Opera dei Pupi, the aspects of the staging will be addressed. The components of the Marionette, according to their role, will show and illustrate the techniques of acting and improvisation of the dramatic dialogue, the animation of the puppets, the scenography.

The users of the laboratory will become an active part of it, as they will be invited to try to make the puppets move. The meeting will be concluded with a short performance essay performed “on sight”, so that the public can realize not only the magic of the staging, but also the important relationships of interaction that are established between the various members of the company during the production of the event. scenic.

Art objects, such as Sicilian puppets entirely handmade (to order), embossed and chiseled jewelry, terracotta, canvases and signs with epic-chivalric subjects, illustrated brochures on the tradition of the Opera dei Pupi, can be purchased at the end of the visit .