The Puppet Theatre

The Puppet Theatre

Sicilian puppet

The first known puppet theatre in Acireale dates back to 1870, when Giovanni Grasso, son of Angelo, the great Catania puppeteer, came to Acireale to introduce himself. But it was Don Mariano Pennisi (1867 – 1934), known as “Nasca”, who most profoundly affected the tradition of the Puppets of Acireale. He made changes in anoeuvring techniques and sets, and created a permanent theatre, first on Via Tono and then Via Alessi, where it is still located today. This great puppeteer passed down his passion for puppets to his adoptive son Emanuele Macrì. Active on the scene and brilliant in improvisation, Macrì succeeded in transforming each show into a spectacular event worthy of total admiration.

Puppet show