From Song to Story
Xenia - Ulysses and Polyphemus
Theatrical study on the Fifth Canto of the Odyssey
Introduction: Following the success of the theater workshop dedicated to the Twelfth Canto of the Odyssey, which thrilled audiences with its staging of "Poros – The Passage," we continue Ulysses's journey with a new adventure. This time, the focus will be on the Fifth Canto, which recounts the iconic encounter with the Cyclops Polyphemus. The theater workshop will explore not only the epic power of the tale, but also its connection to the Sicilian language, using Rosa Gazzara Siciliano's translation directly from Ancient Greek.
Project Objectives:
1. To introduce participants to the epic heritage of the Odyssey, making it alive and accessible through the Sicilian language.
2. Strengthen cultural and historical awareness of the Sicilian region, connecting the myth of Polyphemus to local reality and the ever-present theme of hospitality.
3. Offer theatrical tools to improve personal expression, body and voice awareness.
4. Create a space for discussion and collaborative learning that will culminate in a theatrical performance open to the public.
Laboratory Structure:
- Duration: 25 2-hour meetings, held weekly, from February to June 2024.
- Location: Rehearsal room of the ARB Association of Messina.
Methodology:
- Study and analysis of the original Sicilian text and comparison with Italian and Greek translations.
- Insights into myths and characters (Polyphemus, the Cyclopes, the concept of “hospitality” in Greek culture).
- Exercises in vocal technique, diaphragmatic breathing, and stage movement.
- Creation of costumes inspired by archaic Greek iconography.
- Rehearsals and preparation of the final show.
Laboratory Topics:
- The myth of Polyphemus and the theme of strength versus intelligence.
- The Sicilian language as a vehicle for expressing the epic.
- Connections between the traditions of Sicilian bards and storytellers.
Final Show:
A theatrical performance open to the public in a prestigious cultural space in Messina, in which students will bring the story of Ulysses and Polyphemus to life.
The training course will take place with one meeting every Thursday from 7 to 9:30 pm, starting from Thursday, February 6th until Thursday, June 26th.
Cost of the training course:
1st installment €200 - February 6, 2025
2nd installment €200 - March 27, 2025
3rd installment €200 - May 29, 2025
N.B.
10% discount for ARB members
10% discount for participants in the workshop on the 12th canto of the Odyssey
Book your first free lesson now on Thursday, January 30th at 7:00 PM
⚠️ Limited seats.
curated by Vincenzo Tripodo
PRE-REGISTRATION FORM
comments from some participants in the previous workshop
The theater workshop from Cunto to Canto was a wonderful and moving experience for me. Thanks to the great skill and experience of director Vincenzo Tripodo, not only did I succeed in performing in Sicilian with great satisfaction, but I also took a fascinating and truly instructive journey through Greek mythology, along with my wonderful fellow adventurers.
A very interesting project that highlights our language and promotes culture and art. Congratulations to the creators/executors Davide Liotta and Vincenzo Tripodo! I highly recommend it.
Elvira Marsico
Theater workshop. Every Thursday evening for months, a break from everyday life to dive into another dimension, where Ulysses's journey became my own journey through a sea full of dangers and monsters: my fears, my insecurities, my limitations. Trusting the guidance of an expert helmsman and the reassuring support of my companions, I navigated the swirling currents of a strait that spoke to me with Homer's song and Rosa Gazzara's cuntu. The journey continued on the stage of the Laudamo theater; the challenge became even more daunting: to recount and convey these emotions to the audience. Did we succeed?
Antonella Vadalà
A comprehensive study program with an unparalleled master: Ulysses's journey and the myth, the Sicilian language, and the power of acting. A fascinating workshop, already a challenge for everyone, transformed into a full-fledged performance. Preparing it was demanding but exciting, and my motivation and the bond between us gradually grew. Then, on the Laudamo stage, we played Ulysses, Circe, monsters, and sirens with passion and dedication. There, among my companions on perilous adventures, I truly felt a little Greek and part of one. Thank you all.
Maria Irene Davì
"I liked it very much! I did not take the opportunity, I boasted to my right and left that I was doing with my comrades a special laboratory, unique as much as they all! With a commander of rare expertise as there is no one around. We worked hard, learned many things and finally marveled at comrades who were afraid to see good of eye and then that magic of the theater, who made Circus who made Ulysses who made Scylla and with Cariddi, we enchanted the people and we wondered ourselves that had become a living thing Thank you again master Vincenzo and thank you travel companions"
Domenico Barba
some photos of the show POROS - THE PASSAGE
fruit of the previous theatre workshop
