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 rita.price@tsaa.net.au or Massimo Petterlin at max.petterlin@tsaa.net.au

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: information@tsaa.net.au

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 sandra.genovesi@tsaa.net.au

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

rosambona@optusnet.com.au 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, melcris@tpg.com.au

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 (la.francesca@hotmail.com)

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.