French Literature Reviews - 2026
Anna Leone, Pupi et guarattelle, les marionnettes de Naples et de Palerme. Une korémachie italienne
Theatre and Performance
Anna Leone
Pupi et guarattelle, les marionnettes de Naples et de Palerme. Une korémachie italienne
Overview:
The pupi and guarattelle—traditional puppet traditions of great antiquity—still hold a prominent place on the contemporary Italian stage. To understand how these figures bridge their "popular" past with the present, this book examines their changing iconography over time alongside their modern performances.
This volume explores the rich history and enduring vitality of traditional puppet theatre in southern Italy, focusing on the iconic marionettes of Naples and Palermo. Anna Leone examines how these ancient performance art forms maintain a prominent place on the contemporary stage, reflecting the cultural identity and social history of the regions they represent. By analyzing the evolving iconography of the puppets alongside modern theatrical practices, the book highlights the dynamic relationship between historical folk traditions and contemporary performance art in Italy.
The study will interest scholars and enthusiasts of theatre history, Italian folklore, and material culture, offering valuable insights into the preservation and reinvention of popular art. It serves as an essential resource for understanding how traditional performance techniques adapt to modern aesthetic and cultural contexts. Readers exploring the intersection of popular tradition and contemporary artistic expression will find this work a compelling contribution to the documentation of regional Italian heritage.