Arba Sicula Events

The Casa Sicilia Monthly Lecture Series

The following list of lectures and presentations planned for Casa Sicilia are designed to present a profile of Sicilian contributions to Western Civilization. The most salient aspects of Sicilian culture will be discussed by experts in their fields. These lectures and presentations will go a long way toward erasing the stereotypes that so often color everything Sicilian. The aim is to inform and educate and to share our understanding of what Sicily is and is not. Sicily is a vast undiscovered treasure that begs to be seen and Casa Sicilia hopes to become the vehicle for its discovery. Each lecture or presentation will be followed by an opportunity to talk with Casa Sicilia representatives to learn about the services it can provide to those who have interests on the island or who wish to establish a working relationship with Casa Sicilia in the areas of tourism, import and export, education exchanges, legal matters, genealogical research or questions about long lost relatives.

Our staff will be happy to provide whatever information on Sicily is available. Casa Sicilia is pleased to extend an invitation to all lovers of Sicily. The lectures are free to the public. We do ask, however, that you make reservations if you wish to attend any of the events. Space limitations make it essential that you RSVP by telephone: (212) 903-3338 or e-mail: info@casasicilia.us All events are scheduled for Thursday or Friday evenings and will begin at 6:00 PM. You will be able to savor Sicilian hospitality as well for each event will be followed by an informal get together with the speaker or the panel while enjoying some good Sicilian wines and Sicilian specialties.
So come and join us for an entertaining evening among lovers of the "Island of the Sun."

Casa Sicilia Stati Uniti d'America is a non-profit association that through an agreement with the Region of Sicily has been charged with the task of promoting the image, culture and products of Sicily.

Thursday, May 11, 2006

Gaetano Cipolla, "What Makes a Sicilian?" A discussion on the characteristics of Sicilians as they emerge from their history as a people.

Thursday, June 23, 2006

Gaetano Cipolla, "The Jews in Sicily," a look at the large presence of Jews in Sicily from ancient times until their nearly total disappearance in 1493. The lecture will examine the special relationship between Sicilians and the Jewish population and the economic, social and literary role played by the Jews in the development of the Sicilian culture.

Thursday, July 13, 2006

Prof. Justin Vitiello of Temple University will speak about his book Labyrinths and Volcanoes: Windings in Sicily which was recently translated into Italian and published in Italy.

No Lecture in August

Friday, September 15, 2006

Gaetano Cipolla, "Sicily and Greece: a Two-Way Road of Communication," An examination of the relationship between Greek colonizers of Sicily and their country of origin.

Friday, October 20, 2006

"Is Sicilian a Language or a Dialect?" A panel discussion among Italian university professors: Gaetano Cipolla (Moderator), Luigi Bonaffini and Justin Vitiello.

Friday, November 17, 2006

A panel discussion on "Sicily and Spain": Participants: the Director of the Cervantes Institute and Professors Matteo Tornatore, Gaetano Cipolla, Marie Lise Gazarian and Justin Vitiello. A similar event is set also for November 2006 at the Cervantes Institute.

Friday, December 15, 2006

Mario Fratti, "The Influence of Luigi Pirandello on the American Theater". The renowned playwright, author of the musical "9", will explore the influence of Pirandello and other Sicilian playwrights on the American theatre.

Friday, January 19, 2007

"The Beauty of Sicily", a virtual tour of the sights and sounds of Sicily. The Power Point presentation will highlight the history, art and stunning images of the Sicilian landscape.

Friday, February 16, 2007

"Sicilians were the first. Are they also the latest?" A look at the Sicilian contribution to Italian literature in the past and in the present. Panel Discussion. Professors from NYU, Columbia, Brooklyn College and St. John's University.

Gaetano Cipolla, "The Sicilian Arabic Connection," a discussion of the importance of the Arabs on the linguistic, toponomastic and cultural landscape of Sicily.

Friday, April 20, 2007

Nino Racco will perfom La Barunissa di Carini. The performance will be preceded by a dramatic reading of a new translation of the "Barunissa di Carini," by Gaetano Cipolla newly translated into English Verse.

Thursday, May 17, 2007

A dramatic reading of the play Violence by Giuseppe Fava, recently published in English translation. Brendan Ward will organize the reading with New York actors.