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Spring is almost upon us and TSAA has some great events to shake off
the winter blues.
Our Masquerade Ball/Carnevale on the 17th September will be a great
family-friendly event and includes a Sicilian three-course meal and
drinks, dancing and an extensive line-up of performers. Costume is
not compulsory but be sure to wear a mask.
Or perhaps you might wish to attend one or more of our regular courses -
photography group, cooking classes or Sicilian dialect classes.
Book early as our events fill up quickly and we hope to see you there.
Rita and Massimo
Editors
T h e S i c i l i a n A s s o c i a t i o n o f
A u s t r a l i a N e w s l e t t e r August 2011 Edition Six
Breathtaking coastlines, rolling hills or historic architecture, Sicily offers many back-drops for a spectacular and unforgettable wedding and is increasingly a popular choice among foreign couples as well as Sicilians living in other regions of Italy or abroad. One recent trend is to get married on the beach or in the charming setting of Taormina or the ancient Greek Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, surrounded by the scent of citrus. For a winter atmosphere, the stunning and romantic views of Mount Etna provide unique photo opportunities.
However, the summer months are the favourite times for weddings and Sicilians avoid marrying in November which is dedicated to commemorating the dead, with All Saints and All Souls Days at the start of the month.
Due to an abundance of magnificent
churches and cathedrals (with their evocative church bells) and the high rate of Catholicism, religious weddings dominate. However, Sicilian society is becoming more multicultural and therefore non-religious and mixed weddings are on the rise.
In the past a dowry (il corredo) was prepared for all Sicilian girls from a young age. Hand-embroidered items numbering 12 or multiples of 12 were collected and kept in a glory box until required. These included pure linen embroidered sheets, pillow cases, towels, table cloths, as well as night gowns,
dressing gowns and handkerchiefs in cotton or silk. Today the tradition continues but items are now bought in stores, not hand-made by family members as they once were.
In Sicily, wedding banquets can be held in a variety of venues - baroque palazzi, historic villas, wineries or local restaurants and feature dishes typical of the region, ending with confetti (sugared almonds) and bombonieri (wedding tokens) for the guests to take home.
Receiving money as a wedding gift is common but gift registries at electrical and homeware stores are gaining popularity and particularly at travel agencies where the couple can select and have their honeymoon paid for. Maria Grazia Turrisi
Rose e fiori wedding planner,
www.roseefiori.eu
Translation: Rita Price
Adr ian Cal legar i : A ta lent to watch out for
Adrian Callegari is only 17 and attends high school but has performed since he was four. He can act, he can dance and has an extraordinary voice. Remember his name as we follow his progress with great interest.
What is your connection to Sicily? My maternal grandmother, Carmela was born in Giardini Naxos, a small fishing village at the foot of Taormina. It now enjoys the many attractions of tourism and is really a wonderful place to partake in the beach, lunch, siesta and party lifestyle of the hot Sicilian summer. Who discovered your ability to sing, dance and act?
I never really discovered my ability. I started as a kid so I guess my mum must have noticed that I had an affinity for it all and kept me at it.
What have been your performance highlights?
I would have to say my first high school musical, Hot Mikado. I was only in the ensemble but it was the first time I ever did a full musical. It really opened my eyes to what I really wanted to do with my life. I have since appeared in the lead role of 13 as Evan and as the servant, Truffaldino in A Servant of Two Masters, Caliban in The Tempest and Leo Frank in Parade.
What aren’t you good at? Cooking! Thank God I have my nonna! Has your Sicilian background shaped you as a performer in any way?
I guess the strong sense of family and support has really helped me in my performing. I wouldn’t have been able to do all the things I do without them.
Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?
Hopefully studying musical theatre in New York.
What do you like about Sicily?
Granita! Gelati! The beach, Vespas, big lunches and family.
Rita Price.
Adrian in 13
Photo: Andrew Curtis
Weddings S ic i l ian s ty le
Page 1
Taormina
S i c i l i a n j o u r n e y s
Page 2
T h e S i c i l i a n A s s o c i a t i o n o f A u s t r a l i a N e w s l e t t e r
In 1985 while travelling in Sicily I was
introduced to a handsome man who lived in
a stylish apartment - alone - a rarity in Sicily
at the time.
Upon his invitation to attend a banquet held
by the town council to discuss the
restoration of the 122-room, 17th Century
Venetian Gothic Castello di Donnafugata*,
I jumped at the chance; not for the pleasure
of the fellow’s company, but to enjoy free
food in the courtyard of a wonderful castle
with real turrets.
At short notice I threw on some clothes that
didn’t scream “Australian backpacker” and
teased my permed hair to attend dinner in
the grounds of Donnafugata. The speeches
over, dinner was served beneath the
ancient fig and magnolia trees.
My escort, a man of few words, showed no
interest in my conversation, but took
delight in watching me consume dish after
dish of delectable food (fresh oysters, grilled
prawns, linguine with seafood, baked fish)
and plied me with one too many glasses of
wine.
However, a well-meaning relative had
given me strict instructions to introduce
myself to the host of the evening, the Mayor
of Ragusa, who was cute, successful and
single.
But my date, with the pretext of meeting up
with friends, swept me away before I could
so much as shake Il sindaco’s (mayor’s) hand.
So upon the back of his motorcycle I
reluctantly climbed, peeved that I would
miss dessert (an eye-popping mound of
cannoli with ricotta) and the opportunity to
meet the mayor.
Arriving at his place I soon learned there’s no
such thing as a free meal and refused in no
uncertain terms, to go inside with him and
demanded to be taken home
immediately.
But my Sicilian Lothario, irritated by my
rejection hurled me along il lungomare
(seafront) and onto the beach at 60 km per
hour on his motorbike, barely missing
couples strolling on the sand and making me
utter profanities in Sicilian dialect.
Needless to say, a second date did not
ensue but at least I have him to thank for the
unforgettable meal at Donnafugata.
Rita Price
* Donnafugata near Ragusa is open to the public. It is not the
building described in Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa’s novel,
The Leopard.
Castello di Donnafugata
Photos: Ivan-Sebastian Agricola
Ora ca puru tu si cchiù luntanu
ri la Sicilia mia,
chi ci fazzu iù, tra canguri e koala,
senza la tò vuci ca mi fa
cumpagnia?
Iddi iocunu e sautunu
tra tuttu chistu mari ri verdi
e ri culura e iù ci moru
comu si fussa nu cimiteru!
Però, vardannu st’animali
ca parunu giocattuli
mi fanu quariari lu cori
ppi la rarità ri li sò gesti.
Rari gesti, comu li tò carizzi
ca tegnu rintra a lu mè pettu,
comu lu sciauru ri la Sicilia mia
ca m’imbriaca sulu si la pensu!
Iù tegnu sulu dui rranni amuri
scritti na lu mè cirbeddu
e quannu li pensu
mi sentu l’ali e volu
pi la cuntintizza
e abbrazzu aria, respiru celu
e mi sentu china ri ricchizza.
Sicilia!
Tu ca sì nu pezzu r’azzurru
cascatu ni la Terra
si sempri vicinu a mia
e nun ti scordu mai,
mannimi lu mè amuri
pi stari cuntenti
ammenzu a sti kuala e
canguri!
Now that even you are further
away than my Sicily,
what will I do now amongst
the kangaroos and the koalas
without your voice to keep me
company?
They play and jump around
among this sea of green
and colours
and I feel like I could die
as if it were a cemetery!
But gazing at these animals
as if they were toys,
they warm my heart,
with their rare gestures.
Rare gestures, like your touch
that I hold in my heart,
like the smell of my Sicily
that intoxicates me whenever I
think of her!
I hold two great loves
which are kept in my memories
and when I think of them
my happiness
gives me wings to fly.
I embrace the air,
I breathe in the sky
and I feel great richness.
Sicily! You that are a piece of
blue
fallen on the earth,
you are always near me
and I will never forget you,
bring back my love
to live happily
amongst these kangaroos and
koalas!
(1964)
Poem in English and Sicilian and
painting of Mount Etna (right) by
Giovanna Guzzardi.
A disastrous dinner date at Donnafugata
Nu pezzu r’azzurru A piece of blue
This dish dates back to the early 19th century when the Royal Court, under the rule of Ferdinand IV of Naples with his wife Maria Carolina, (sister of Marie Antoinette) moved to Palermo.
French chefs called monzu were brought over to prepare sophisticated cutting-edge French cuisine in the palaces of nobles and aristocrats using quail, rabbit, sole, capon, butter, cream and brandy.
With great imagination and skill, the servants of the nobility reinvented these dishes at home for their own families using lower quality ingredients. The cucina povera was formed and caponata is a classic example of this, where at home the servants used eggplant in place of chicken.
Method
6 chicken Marylands, skinned
white wine to cover the chicken (approx. 500mls)
2 small celery stalks, diced (medium size)
1 large onion, finely diced
1 tablespoon high quality Italian white wine vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar
2 medium tomatoes, peeled, seeded and diced (medium size) or 4 small canned plum tomatoes, chopped
small handful of pitted green olives
small handful of salted capers; wash to remove all salt and drain well
4 tablespoons olive oil
salt and pepper to taste
Marinate the chicken in white wine for at least two hours, then drain well. In a large saucepan heat two tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
Season the chicken and cook on both sides, then set aside. In the same pan add another two tablespoons of oil and cook the celery and onion until soft (about 4 minutes).
Add sugar and vinegar and cook until the sugar has dissolved. Add the capers, olives and tomatoes, and cook for about five minutes until the tomatoes have thickened. Add chicken and cook until tender on low heat (approx. two hours).
Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serves 6
Lisa and Freddy La Spina, Bar Idda,
132 Lygon Street, Brunswick East
References: Sweet Sicily, Victoria Granof, 2001
Sicilian Food, Mary Taylor Simeti, 1989
C u c i n a s i c i l i a n a
Page 3
T h e S i c i l i a n A s s o c i a t i o n o f A u s t r a l i a N e w s l e t t e r
Caponata d i po l lo (ch icken caponata)
Around the t raps w i th T S AA
Luigi Pirandello’s classic, Six Characters in Search of an
Author, was performed at La Mama Theatre in May in
Carlton VIC to a sell-out season. Directed by Laurence
Strangio whose family hails from the Aeolian Islands, the
final performance was enjoyed by TSAA members and
friends (above). Photo: Renato Denino
Photo:
Lisa La Spina
The first TSAA cooking class (right) was held on 26th June at
Princess Hill Secondary College Carlton North, VIC under the
direction of Max Petterlin and a group of highly-skilled
Sicilian cooks with a combined culinary experience of over
200 years. Sponsored by Pantalica and Divella, the event
featured antipasti and was filmed by Salvatore Bellofiore
and Elena Stocco from the Channel 31 program, The Italian
Connection which screens every Sunday at 1.30pm.
Be sure to watch this Sunday, 31st of July featuring the TSAA
cooking class.
Members of TSAA’s book group (above) were
honoured to discuss the novel, Firehead with
the author himself, Venero Armanno at their
meeting on 15th July by teleconference.
Venero displayed much wit, sensitivity and an
amusing use of Sicilian dialect in providing a
greater insight into his disturbing but powerful
novel.
Rita Price
The Italian Institute of Culture was overfull: every seat
taken, standing room crammed, people leaning in
from the corridor and side rooms - transfixed and
transported.
The launch of Marisa Fazio's A Leopard's Kiss, was a
thoroughly integrated, seductive whole, from the
opening gambit of consummate showman
Mikelangelo's bawdy, confrontational songs, through
the considered insights of Professor John Gatt-Rutter
and Elly Varrenti's perceptive, witty observations; the
aptly chosen readings from Il Gattopardo to Marisa's
readings from her work.
Marisa sang the refrain of the “popular song” which
concluded each page of couplets in the first section.
Then in the second section the “love song” allowed
her to enchant us further with her singing, ably and
sensitively supported on guitar by Mikelangelo.
Audience response was loud and long - justly so. And
then we had refreshments. Delicious wines, mineral
water, tempting pastries and pizza and I DOLCI - from
the fingertips of angels. Seduction complete.
Gaytana Adorna
A Leopard’s Kiss is available from Readings bookshops.
S e n s o r y d e l i g h t :
L a u n c h o f
M a r i s a F a z i o ’ s ,
“ A L e o p a r d ’ s K i s s ”
T h e S i c i l i a n A s s o c i a t i o n o f A u s t r a l i a N e w s l e t t e r
Page 4
C o n t r i b u t i o n s
To contribute to this Newsletter contact the editorial team: Rita Price at [email protected] or Massimo Petterlin at [email protected]
Our Facebook page is: The Sicilian Association of Australia
The Association has accepted and published the material contributed to its newsletter in good faith on the basis that it does not breach any copyright laws. In the event that a copyright claim arises, please contact the Association and it will take all reasonable action.
This work is copyright. Apart from any use permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no
part may be reproduced by any process, nor may any other exclusive right be exercised, without the permission of The Sicilian Association of Australia,
PO Box 418, Avondale Heights, VIC 3034, Australia Email address: [email protected]
Copyright © The Sicilian Association of Australia 2011. All Rights Reserved.
TS AA fo r t hc o min g e ve n t s
AQUILA SHOES AND ACCESSORIES - 13 stores
throughout Melbourne. 20% off all full-priced stock.
Tel: (03) 8412 9800.
BAR IDDA - 132 Lygon St East Brunswick ,VIC.
Specializing in delicious home-style Sicilian cuisine,
Alfredo and Lisa La Spina offer cardholders 15% off
bottles of Sicilian wine and a complimentary
coffee for all dinner guests with any dinner
purchase. Tel: (03) 9380 5339.
CHURCH STREET ENOTECA - 527 Church St
Richmond, VIC. 10% off food and wine for lunch or
dinner (Monday to Wednesday). Not to be used in
conjunction with any other offer. Tel: (03) 9428 7898.
ENOTECA SILENO - gastronomia since 1953.
920 Lygon St North Carlton, VIC. 12.5% off dining,
retail purchases and cooking classes. Does not
apply to functions, special events and discounted
items . Tel: (03) 9389 7000.
HOBSONS BAY HOTEL - Rosa Mitchell, now
cooking at 28 Ferguson St Williamstown, VIC.
15% off food and wine bill. Bookings required.
Tel: (03) 9397 5159.
LA CASA DEL GELATO - 163 Lygon St Carlton,
VIC. 15% off ice-cream cakes and family take-
home packs of gelati. Tel: (03) 9347 0220.
LA LATTERIA - 104 Elgin St Carlton, VIC. Mozzarella
laboratory, milk and yoghurt, fresh cheeses.
10% off all products. Tel: (03) 9347 9009.
THE SICILIAN RESTAURANT - 213 Swan St
Richmond ,VIC. Lunch or dinner Sunday to
Thursday, 20% off food and wine bill per table upon
presentation of membership card. Membership
must be quoted upon booking.
Tel: (03) 9428 6255.
TSAA member benefits update
World premiere screenings of
Mangiamele’s films at the Melbourne
International Film Festival, August 2011
The post-war films of Giorgio Mangiamele, the Sicilian/Australian Carlton
based filmmaker of the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s express a unique cinematic
perspective, and four of his most important films have been fully restored and
remastered:
The Spag and
Ninety Nine Per Cent
Saturday 6 August 2011, 4.30pm.
Between 3.00 and 4.15pm there will be a special launch of a new DVD box
set of Mangiamele’s films which will include a panel discussion led by those
who knew and worked with him.
Clay
Sunday 7 August 2011, 4.30pm.
The above three films will screen at the
Cube, Australian Centre for Moving Images,
Federation Square,
Melbourne VIC.
Info & Bookings: http://miff.com.au/
program/our_space;
http://tickets2.miff.com.au/
default.asp?contentID=60 or call
(03) 9662 3722.
Anno uncement s
COOKING CLASS NO. 3: MAIN COURSE - MEAT AND ACCOMPANIMENTS
Sunday 11 September 2011, 10.30am – 2.00pm. Princess Hill Secondary College,
Arnold St North Carlton, VIC. Bookings [email protected]
MASQUERADE BALL/CARNEVALE: Saturday 17 September 2011, 6.30pm, Club Italia,
128–152 Furlong Rd Sunshine, VIC. Members $55. non-members $70. children 12 and
under $30. All inclusive. For bookings contact Rosemary on
[email protected] or 0400 839 963.
PHOTOGRAPHY GROUP: Tuesday 2 August 2011, 6.00pm sharp. Italian Institute of
Culture, 233 Domain Rd South Yarra, VIC. Members free, non-members $10.
Contact Carmelo Criscione, [email protected]
SICILIAN DIALECT CLASSES: Thursday 25 August 2011, 7.00pm, Italian Institute of
Culture, 233 Domain Rd South Yarra, VIC. Members free, non-members $10.
RSVP Frances Genovesi ([email protected])
Cistern of my Body by Canadian poet,
Rona Shaffran presented by illustrator
of the booklet, artist, Marcello
D’Amico
Tuesday 2 August 2011, 7.00pm. Italian Institute of
Culture, 233 Domain Rd South Yarra, VIC. Bookings
(03) 9866 5931. A selection of works by D’Amico,
including drawings and sculptures, will be displayed at
the Institute for public viewing until Friday 26 August.
Festa di San Bartolomeo dinner dance,
Saturday 27 August 2011, 6.30pm Eolian Hall, 836 Lygon
St Carlton, VIC. Adults: $40, children 5-12 years $15.
Includes a 3-course dinner, drinks and band.
Bookings: Nina (03) 9850 8689; Maria (03) 9534 7127.
The procession of San Bartolomeo begins at 3.00pm the
next day at Santuario di Sant'Antonio, Power St
Hawthorn, VIC. For more information contact
Marcello on (03) 9435 6394.
Poetry night: An intercultural perspective:
Thursday 18 August 2011, 7.00pm, Italian Institute of Culture, 233 Domain Rd
South Yarra, VIC. Edward Caruso will talk about his collection of poems,
Di Alture ed Altre Utopie, written during his travels to Chile and Peru, highlighting
the themes and exploring how he came to write about Latin America in Italian.
Gerardo Papalia, Honorary Research Fellow in Italian Studies at La Trobe
University, will host the talk. Luis Arteaga Marin, a singer/guitarist from Colombia,
will perform songs from the Chilean nueva cancion tradition.
Bookings: (03) 9866 5931.
L’Imperfetto (Imperfect) Exhibition of mixed media
artworks by Rosetta Pavone that honour and subvert Sicilian
cultural traditions and notions of perfection, Friday 29 July to Saturday 21
August. Counihan Gallery, 233 Sydney Rd Brunswick, VIC. Gallery times:
Wednesday to Saturday 11am - 5pm, Sunday 1 - 5pm. Tel: (03) 9389 8622.
Italian Film Festival Melbourne
to screen Sicilian films Sunday 25 September @ Palace Westgarth, 89 High St. Northcote
5.00pm The House By The Medlar Tree
Sunday 2 October @ Palace Como, Cnr Toorak Rd & Chapel St,
South Yarra
4.45pm Lost Kisses
Expect an exclusive invitation from TSAA to attend these events.
Winner of Pirandello
book from June 2011,
Edition 5 Newsletter
competition:
Congratulations to Deanna
Zammit of Melbourne.