Avventure Siciliane II - cultural festival

The Last Sicilian explores the vanishing heritage of the Sicilian language. It conveys a profound sense of disappointment in the impending demise of this linguistic tradition and its poetic existence. On stage, the Sicilian language materialises as an ageing character, inviting the audience to witness its symbolic death. Through a narrative journey, the character recounts its poetic existence, tracing the linguistic evolution from ancient roots to neglect-induced demise. A talk on the Sicilian Language by Professor Joseph Lo Bianco will follow the performance. The Last Sicilian was premiered by Melbourne's La Mama Theatre at its Festival of Mother Tongues in 2024. Adorata: Rosa Voto Abononata: Rosanna Morales Musician: Irine Vela Written by Rosanna Morales Dramaturgy by Laurence Strangio and Rosanna Morales Directed by Laurence Strangio Images by Darren Gill Supported by SACA – Sicilian Arts Collective Australia Language: Sicilian and English

Isola Bianca screens the World Premiere of 'La Cava Bianca' 53' (The White Quarry). This immersive and captivating documentary film explores the haunting beauty of Lipari’s abandoned pumice quarry where past and present collide. Through voices of memory and loss, the film traces a story of labour, ecological scars, and the island’s search for a sustainable future. Narrated by geo-poet Davide Sapienza, the film features Aeolian Historian Giuseppe La Greca, Environmental Scientist Pietro Lo Cascio, Terrain Guide Flavia Grita and former miners. Prelude "Aeolus" performed by Kelly Dowall, using ancient wind instruments; the Maori koauau pongaihu, the Turkish ney and clarinet. Introduction Prof. Marcello Saija, University of Messina. Images La Cava Bianca by Marco Mensa A documentary film by Marco Mensa and Elisa Mereghetti. An Ethnos TV Production. Film screening sponsored by Istituto Italiano di Cultura – Melbourne. Languages: Italian, English subtitled.

Celebrating Nino Randazzo offers insights into the joys and complexities of the Sicilian diaspora experience where language and tradition are displaced and reoriented. IL PANE E LE ROSE Embracing the Sicilian tradition of the Cantastorie, this song-story theatre performance explores the poignant theme of a Sicilian migrant’s disillusionment upon returning to his hometown. VICTORIA MARKET Through dark, candid storytelling, the reading of Randazzo's 'Victoria Market: Genesis of a Myth' challenges the corrupt powers, police, politicians, and institutions who perpetuated a false narrative for decades at the cost of innocent immigrants. Introduction by Carmel Randazzo, daughter of Nino Randazzo. Adapted by Rosanna Morales for a contemporary Sicilian diaspora. Music by Elvira Andreoli Directed by Laurence Strangio Performed by Rosanna Morales, Elvira Andreoli and members of the Sicilian-Aeolian Community. Languages: Sicilian, Italian and English.

May 1971 sees the arrival of 15 exiled mafiosi on the Aeolian Island of Filicudi. The women fiercely oppose the government’s decision and respond… NO! Minimalist theatre artist, Donatella La Macchia, direct from Messina Sicily, portrays the uprise of ordinary women in this monodrama performance. “Donatella La Macchia is a remarkable example of the challenges faced in isolated communities and the power of collective resistance”, says Laurence Strangio, theatre director. Languages: Sicilian-Filicudaro, Italian, English Subtitled.