DK Travel : Sicily : Performing arts

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Teatro Massimo

Palermo’s historic theatre opened in 1897 then went into decline, but it was reopened in 1997 after a major restoration effort. It stages lyrical opera, ballet and symphonic concerts.
Teatro Massimo & Teatro Politeama Garibaldi, Palermo

The Teatro Massimo was built in the 1880s as a grand symbol of post-Unification Sicily by Neo-Classical architects Giovanni Battista Basile and his son Ernesto. Although noted for its grandeur and for superb acoustics, the theatre was allowed to fall into decline and was closed for almost a quarter century. After a massive renovation effort, the doors were reopened in 1997, and once again it is Palermo’s premier venue for classical music, ballet and opera. Ballet as well as symphonic concerts can also be enjoyed at the city’s Teatro Politeama, which roughly marks the border between old and modern Palermo (see Teatro Politeama Garibaldi).

Teatro Politeama Garibaldi, Palermo
Teatro Politeama Garibaldi

The theatre was designed in 1874 in Neo-Classical style. The season offers symphonic concerts and ballet.
The Bad Guys

Mostly evil Saracens and Turks, they wear baggy trousers and droopy moustaches and bear shields decorated with a crescent moon. Charlemagne’s brother-in-law and arch-enemy Gano di Magonza often tries to overthrow the crown. Sorcerer Malagigi plays both sides, sometimes helping, sometimes hurting the paladins’ cause.
The Defeat of Roncisvalle and the Death of Orlando

In another famous tale, Charlemagne is tricked by his brother-in-law Gano and sends the paladins, led by Orlando, to accompany his bishop who is to baptize a group of Saracens. But the paladins find themselves surrounded and outnumbered. After putting up a noble fight, Orlando dies on the battlefield.
The Gagini Family

The Gagini family set the style for architecture and sculpture in Sicily during the 15th and 16th centuries. Inspired by elements of northern and central Italian art, the Gagini combined Renaissance and Gothic forms to create uniquely Sicilian pieces. Domenico (d.1492) was influenced by Ghiberti and Brunelleschi, and opened a workshop in Palermo. His son Antonello (1478–1536) produced delicately modelled, classic sculpture in the tradition of 15th-century Florence, in materials from marble to stucco.
The Godfather

Francis Ford Coppola’s 1972 Mafia classic with Marlon Brando as the Don Corleone.
The Good Guys

Holy Roman Emperor Charlemagne and his paladins are dressed in armour and skirts and brightly coloured silks. Orlando, mighty and loyal leader of the paladins, carries a shield with a cross. His cousin Rinaldo, a brave fighter with a weakness for the ladies, is identified by the lion on his shield, as is his long-haired sister Bradamante, another warrior. Angelica, the object of the two men’s affections, can be cunning but is usually on their side.
Vincenzo Argento Opera dei Pupi, Palermo

For four generations the Argento family have been producing puppet shows based on Ariosto’s Orlando Furioso . Today Vincenzo Argento and his three children run the theatre, making their own puppets and painting their own scenery in the theatre workshop near Palermo’s cathedral.
Vincenzo Bellini

The composer (1801–35) was born in Catania, trained in Naples and is buried in Catania’s cathedral. His successful early works led to commissions for La Scala in Milan. The Sleepwalker and Norma are among his most successful operas.