The marionette puppet theater of Sicily is one of four traditions of puppetry from around the globe that is recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity–along with the Japanese Ningyo Johruri Bunraku, Indonesian Wayang, and Cambodian Sbek Thom. The Opera dei Pupi may be enjoyed at many theaters throughout the island, mainly in…
Tag: cuticchio
Pupi Love
In Palermo’s historic center, generations of Sicilians and visitors to Sicily have been captivated by L’Opera dei Pupi di Palermo, a company started by marionette master Giacomo Cuticchio more than 80 years ago. Today his sons continue the tradition of marionette-puppetry (“pupi”) by presenting captivating productions featuring kings, angels, devils, Arabs, lords, ladies, and fantastic…
Within throwing distance of Palermo’s world-renowned Teatro Massimo is another kind of world-renowned theater: the Opera dei Pupi or marionette opera of Figli d’Arte Cuticchio. For more than 80 years, in various formats, Giacomo Cuticchio’s company has produced mesmerizing performances featuring colorful sets and captivating marionette puppets. The different operas’ stories are set throughout history,…