The Catania Tradition of the Marionette Opera

 

The Napoli Family represent the ancient and famous tradition of the theatre of Catania, which has been handed own from generation to generation to maintain this important art form. Gaetano Napoli founded the company in 1921 which he then entrusted to his three sons Pippo, Rosario and Natale.

The Natale's four children, together with their untiring mother Italia Chiesa, have continued this antique family tradition. Then, today, the granchildren, the children of Fiorenzo, take an active part in putting on these shows and to complete the company there is also Alessandro Napoli, an anthropologist, who sees to the needs of the shows, and Agnese Torrisi, Fiorenzo's wife, as director. By continuing to hand down rom father to son this splendid tradition, the Napolis present shows based on old plots as well as the texts of Napoli family, who has created modern plays for these marionette operas, continuing to conserve this antique occupation of Catania intact and complete.

The collection comprises marionettes from the end of the 1800s and the early 1900s, together with scenery; posters and theatrical furnishing. But their activity does not and here. In fact, the Napolis also set up many exhibits on opera of Catania, organising meetings and seminaries to talk about this ancient art that is still living thanks to this passion handed down from father to son.

 

Contacts

Segreteria Organizzativa (Tel.)  095/7513076 - Cell. 347/3034600 - 347/0954526
Sede legale: Via Madonna di Fatima, 14 - 95030 Gravina di Catania - Tel./Fax: 095/416787
Bottega del Puparo: Via Reitano, 55 - 95100 Catania - Tel/Fax: 095/341052  -  e-mail: fratellinapoli@hotmail.com  -  www.fratellinapoli.it
Legale Rappresentante: Fiorenzo Napoli - Cod. Fisc.: NPL FNZ 54M21 C351K - Part. IVA 02043390877