Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
SICILIAN PUPPET THEATRE
Since the 18th century, the Opera dei Pupi (traditional Sicilian puppet theatre) has been enthralling
adults and children alike. The shows are a mini theatrical performance with some puppets standing
1.5m high - a completely different breed from the glove puppet popular in the West. These characters
are intricately carved from beech, olive or lemon wood with realistic-looking features; flexible joints
ensure they have no problem swinging their swords or beheading dragons.
Effectively the soap operas of their day, Sicilian puppet shows expounded the deepest sentiments of
life - unrequited love, treachery, thirst for justice and the anger and frustration of the oppressed. The
swashbuckling tales centre on the legends of Charlemagne's heroic knights, Orlando and Rinaldo,
with an extended cast including the fair Angelica, the treacherous Gano di Magonza and forbidding
Saracen warriors. Good puppeteers are judged on the dramatic effect they can create - lots of stamp-
ing feet and a gripping running commentary - and on their speed and skill in directing the battle
scenes.
Shopping
Via Bara all'Olivella is good for arts and crafts. Check out the puppet workshop of the
10am-1pm & 4-7pm Tue-Sat)
.
For ceramics and pottery (albeit at higher prices than you'd find in Sicily's hinterland)
8.30am-11pm Mon-Sat, 8.30am-2pm & 6-11pm Sun)
, an enticing gourmet food emporium, or
Piazza Castelnuovo 13; 4-8pm Mon, 9.30am-1.30pm & 4-8pm Tue-Sat)
, a store that sells products
grown on lands confiscated from the Mafia.
Information
EMERGENCY
Ambulance
(
091 666 55 28, 118)
Police
(Questura;
091 21 01 11, 113; Piazza della Vittoria 8)
MEDICAL SERVICES
