Sicilian puppets
THE VACCARO-MAUCERI
PUPPET THEATER COMPANY
WORKSHOP 1 – OBJECTIVES
Full immersion in the world of the puppets, from conception to construction. Starting from the fashioning of raw materials – wood, paper, and metal – the masters of the Siracusan puppet theater tradition will accompany students on a multifaceted artisanal and artistic journey, from sculpting the wood to make the bodies of the puppets, to embossing metal strips for their armor, and fashioning their costumes along the way.
TIMING AND CONTENT
WEEK 1 – HISTORY OF THE PUPPETS, PRELIMINARY SKETCHES AND PAPER MACHE
Day 1 (2 hours)
Introduction to the world of animated figures, from the origins to the birth of the opera dei pupi. An illustrative tour of the various puppet-making techniques used by the schools of Palermo, Catania, and Siracusa.
Day 2-5
Students prepare a preliminary graphic design of their puppet. Preparation of the positive mold in clay and the negative mold in plaster. Working with paper mache to make the positive of the puppet’s face.
WEEK 2 – STRUCTURE
Day 1- 5
Making and assembly of the wood structure of the puppet.
WEEK 3 – COSTUME AND ARMOR
Day 1- 2
Making the puppet’s costume.
Day 3-5
Cutting, embossing, and soldering of metal parts comprising the armor. Assembly of all parts of the puppet.
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WORKSHOP 2 – OBJECTIVES
An undressed puppet is the ideal palette for giving vent to the imagination. Starting from the choice of materials such as paper, metal, and fabrics, the puppet masters of Siracusa will direct participants in the creation of their own personal reinterpretation of Sicilian puppets.
TIMING AND CONTENT
5-day workshop
Day 1
Introduction to the world of animated figures, from the origins to the birth of the opera dei pupi. Preparation of a preliminary graphic design of the puppet.
Day 2-3
Cutting, embossing, and soldering of metal parts comprising the armor.
Day 4
Making the puppet’s costume. Assembly of all parts of the puppet.
