Casa ItalIana - Nazareth College

Casa ItalianaS P R I N G 2 0 1 2The Casa Italiana of Nazareth College is a center for studying, appreciating, and celebrating the Italian and Italian American experience.Documentary Film SeriesThe Casa Italiana welcomes twoItalian film directors for American premierhis semester, the CasaItaliana is proud to hostthe American premiers oftwo Italian documentaryfilm directors, AlessandroDi Gregorio and Emiliano Sacchetti.Di Gregorio and Sacchetti have beenco-writing and filming documentaries since2005. They are bringing two of their worksto the Casa Italiana for the first time,Alessandro Di GregorioPer chi suona la campanella and 8744.Born in Vasto, in the Abruzzo region,Di Gregorio has spent time working as amovie writer and an assistant director forcommercials and TV series. In 2005, heshot his first documentary, 8744, whichwas broadcasted by the History Channel inItaly and won awards at the “Premio LiberoBizzarri” and “Festival del Documentariod’Abruzzo.” In 2009, he filmed Per chi suonala campanella (For Whom the School BellTolls), which was broadcasted by RAI 3 andwas a winner at the “Circeo Film Festival”and at “Corto & Fieno Festival.” Currentlyresiding in Rome, he continues to directdocumentaries.After studying Communication andSociology at the Università di Roma “LaSapienza,” Emiliano Sacchetti worked formany years in Public Relations. Since 2000,Emiliano Sacchettihe has worked in the radio and televisionindustry, as a screenplay writer and co-authoring8744 and Per chi suona la campanella with Di Gregorio.Please join us for this unique opportunity to view these films for the first timein the U.S. and partake in open discussion with the film directors. Films will beshown in Arts Center A14 at 6:30 p.m. 8744 will be shown on March 28 andPer chi suona la campanella on March 29.Note: These documentaries are in Italian with English subtitles.Synopsis of the films8744After the 8th of September 1943, more than500,000 Italian civilians and soldiers were deportedto Germany to work in the Third Reich’swar production. IMIs or Italian military interneeswere used for slave labor, living in sub-humanconditions for two years where almost 100,000of them died. Because IMIs were defined asPOWs, they did not qualify for compensationafter the war had ended. In 2001, Dr. BernhardLehmann, a history professor in Germany, discovereda diary written by IMI, Anselmo Mazzi.Together with his students, Lehmann dug upa list of the IMIs in city archives and organizedseveral beneficiaries collecting 75,000 Euros. In2004, he visited Trieste, Como, Reggio Emilia,Rome and Caserta where he met former IMIsand gave them each 750 Euros as symboliccompensation and apologizing for what hiscountry had done to them.Per chi suona la campanella(For Whom the School Bell Tolls)In November 2008, a group of elderly Italianswere involved in an interesting form of protest.An elementary school in a village of 1,000 residentsin the mountains of the Pollino NationalPark in Calabria, Italy risked being closed dueto low enrollment and education reform. Inagreement with the mayor, the elderly, most ofwhom were illiterate, returned to elementaryschool along with the children of the townto boost enrollment and avoid the closing ofthe school. An example of civil disobedience,this decision also testified to the desire of theelderly to use their time in more productivemanner. This documentary portrays a generationthat not only has a lot of free time but alsohas a lot to say. They have a desire to continueto learn and wish to share with children theirexperiences acquired over a lifetime.Casa Italiana Newsletter Spring 2012 | 1

Director’sLetterCari amici,We are veryexcitedabout theupcoming events wehave planned for thissemester. Italian filmmakersAlessandro DiGregorio and EmilianoSacchetti will be coming from Italy for theAmerican premier of their documentaries,Per chi suona la campanella and 8744.Ranging from a diverse set of topics, Per chisuona la campanella deals with low studentenrollment and new school reform in a tinytown in Calabria and the inventive way thetown tries to keep their school open. 8744follows a German history teacher as hetracks down Italian prisoners of war to symbolicallycompensate them for their service.These documentaries will be shown as partof a two-day film and lecture series wherethe directors will present their films and leadopen discussion with our students and communitymembers. You do not want to missthis event.As always, we continue to provide yourfavorite events such as our art exhibit byAngela Possemato, the film series by FrankLanzafame, Ph.D, Social Committee trip toNiagara-on-the-Lake, both our adult andchildren’s classes and of course, our annualItalian Language and Cultural Day Camp forchildren.The spirit of our dynamic Italian heritageis alive in Rochester and it is growing at theCasa Italiana. We thank you for your continuedsupport!Cordialmente,Dr. Stella Plutino-CalabreseDirector, Casa Italiana2 | Casa Italiana Newsletter Spring 2012Niagara-on-the-Lake Bus TripThe Casa Italiana is planninga trip in August to Niagara-onthe-Lake’sShaw Festival to seethe musical “Ragtime.” For moreinformation, call the Casa at 585-389-2468. Tickets are limited andwill be available on a first-come,first-served basis.CommitteesScholarship InitiativeCarol DiMarzo (Chair)Dr. Stella Plutino-Calabrese(Co-Chair)Gina Viggiani (Associate Director,Major Gifts in Development)Social CommitteeSally Benfante (Chair)Arline M. Liberti (Co-Chair)Helen BarbatoAngela BassoMary Ann BenincasaSonia CannitoAnn ColaruotoloJackie ColicchioAlberta DiMarcoChristine DiMarcoMary Jean GasbarreMarie G. GrahamAnn Marie LipariDolores P. LovetroHelen MerloDr. Stella Plutino-CalabreseJulie SaltrelliMarie SiracuseJoanne VergonaMargaret ZanghiCultura Italiana CommitteeDr. Candide Carrasco (Chair)Dr. Stella Plutino-CalabreseJulie SaltrelliSusan SeniseDr. Maria Rosaria Vitti-AlexanderJoin us thissummer 2012for a trip to Italy!An informational meeting willbe held this spring. Date TBD.A $250 deposit will becollected to reserve your spot.Space is limited. Call theCasa Italiana at 585-389-2468for more information.HOW YOU CAN CONTACT USOur address is:Casa Italiana of Nazareth College4245 East AvenueRochester, NY 14618Call us:585-389-2468Monday-Friday8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.Fax us:585-389-2469e-mail us:casa@naz.eduEditors:Dr. Stella Plutino-Calabrese(splutin2@naz.edu)Julie Saltrelli(jsaltre0@naz.edu)Designer and Project Manager:Margo BoehmContributor:Frank Lanzafame, Ph.D.

Angela Possemato: Spirit of the SouthHaving roots in Cautano, a small village in theCampania region of southern Italy, AngelaPossemato’s family is as dear to her as her familyin the U.S. She loves sharing meals and laughterwith them, discussing cultural differencesand similarities, and visiting and re-visiting places where hergrandparents once lived.In August 2011, Angela combined a family visit with a trip toMatera, in the remote southern region of Basilicata. Her interestin this area began when she read Carlo Levi’s masterpiece Cristosi è fermato a Eboli in Italian class at Nazareth College. Levi’spoignant description of life in this forgotten place, the thousandsof years of history, the architecture, the geography, and the plightof the people captured her imagination. She just had to see it withher own eyes, and her camera. In her exhibit, you will see imagesof these less known places—the historic, the modern, wide vistasand intimate corners, city and village, in the bright sun of il mezzogiornoand the shadows of night.Photographer Angela Possemato lives in Macedon with herhusband Harvey Possemato. She has been a music teacher in theBrighton Schools since 1985. She studied Italian at NazarethCollege and the Società Dante Alighieri in Siena, Italy.“As a musician I have been training my ears all my life to besensitive to the beauty in our world through the color, texture,Materaform and dynamics ofmusic. Through photography,I am developingmy eye and I see color,composition, texture,tone, and dynamics ina whole new light. Iparticularly enjoy travel,landscape, nature andmacro photography.The creative processchallenges me to slowdown, be present, andsee beauty in thingssmall and large that Imight have otherwisemissed. I try to capturethe beauty and spirit ofplaces and things thatCasa di nonnocatch my eye, be it anentire scene or a very small detail of it.”Angela’s photographs have been selected for juried shows atCooperstown Art Association’s National Exhibit, State of the ArtGallery in Ithaca, Old Forge Arts Center, High Falls Gallery andthe Image City Photography Gallery. They have been publishedin City Newspaper, Capture Rochester ’08 and ’09, and Nature’sGarden magazine. Her photos have been displayed in solo exhibitsat the Finger Lakes Federal Credit Union and Billsboro Winery inGeneva, NY.Angela studied with Alison Shaw at the Maine PhotographicWorkshops and Mark Bowie at the Adirondack PhotographyInstitute. She has taken a variety of classes and workshops at theGenesee Center for the Arts, and with Rochester photographerGary Thompson. More of her work can be seen at www.Light-TouchPhotos.com.Art Exhibit: Spirit of the South by Angela Possemato opens February12 with a reception with the arist from 3:00–5:00 p.m. in the CasaItaliana LeChase Lounge. Exhibit hours are Monday-Friday from9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Exhibit closes May 25, 2012.Make an Investmentin the Future!One way you can helpensure a strong future for the CasaItaliana’s unique educational mission isby remembering the Casa Italiana inyour will. If you are drafting or revisingyour will, keep the Casa in mind —your gift can make all the difference forthe future of our beloved Italian heritage.For information about planning yourgift, contact:Dr. Stella Plutino-Calabrese,Director, Casa Italiana585-389-2465 Email: splutin2@naz.edu,orKelly Gagan, Vice Presidentof Institutional Advancement,Nazareth College585-389-2411 Email: kgagan8@naz.eduCasa Italiana Newsletter Spring 2012 | 3

Spring 2012Italian Language& CultureCLASSES at TheCasa ItalianaTo register for classes,please call the Casa at585-389-2468 or mail usyour registration form.Venite a parlare!LEVEL IThis course is for those who want tolearn and practice the basics of the Italianlanguage while also exploring interestingaspects of Italian culture. Emphasis will beon providing the student with a beginner’sknowledge of Italian through situationalcontexts. Basic conversation skills andgrammar will be covered through the useof the textbook Espresso I and correspondingCD. A great class for anyone planningto travel to Italy.10 Tuesdays from 7:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.April 10, 17, 24May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29June 5, 12Instructor: Bruna Furgiuele$195 for members who have not yet purchasedthe textbook$140 for members who have alreadypurchased textbook$205 for non-members who have not yetpurchased textbook$150 for non-members who have alreadypurchased textbookLocation: Golisano Academic Center(GAC), Room 221Venite a parlare!LEVEL IIIn this course, students who have taken Venite a Parlare! Level I, or with equivalentlanguage competence, will develop greater familiarity with informal and formal Italian.More complex syntax and vocabulary will be introduced. Plenty of conversationrelating to daily contemporary Italian life will be included. This course will also use thetextbook Espesso I and the corresponding CD.10 Thursdays from 7:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.April 5, 12, 19, 26May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31June 7Instructor: Bruna Furgiuele$195 for members who have not yet purchased the textbook$140 for members who have already purchased textbook$205 for non-members who have not yet purchased textbook$150 for non-members who have already purchased textbookLocation: Golisano Academic Center (GAC), Room 221Il circoloThis Spring, surround yourself in the warmth and splendor of Italy by joining ourcircolo (circle) of friends for an interesting, stimulating and fun approach to learningabout the Italian language and culture. Through discussions, readings, music, slides,film, and more, you will immerse yourself in the finest that Italy has to offer while makingnew friends who share your passion for things Italian. You will work on your conversationskills while improving language basics and learning expressions that are used inItaly. Our Circolo is perfect for those who want to connect with their Italian Americanheritage as well as for those who are preparing for or returning from a trip to Italy andwant to share their experiences with others. A basic understanding of Italian is needed.8 Monday sessions, 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.February 13, 20, 27March 5, 12, 19, 26April 2Instructor: Ashley Williams-Wenschhof$85 for members$95 for non-membersCasa Italiana LeChase LoungeLa cucina italianaItaly is considered one of the culinary capitals of the world. Each of its great citiesexhibits its own identity and its own exciting and colorful cuisine. In this class, BernardinaMasci, a professional cook and native Italian, will prepare for you some of theregional cuisine that has made the Italian kitchen justly famous. Sample and learn howto make traditional homemade recipes as you would in an Italian home. The splendorof Italy and the wonders of its kitchen await you. Buon Appetito!8 Thursday sessions, 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.March 22, 29April 5, 12, 19, 26May 3, 10Instructor: Bernardina Masci$145 for members$155 for non-membersCasa Italiana LeChase Lounge4 | Casa Italiana Newsletter Spring 2012

La scuola italiana (Italian School)Ages 5 to 11The Scuola offers age appropriate curriculum and activities.These classes will provide opportunities for beginners toadvanced beginners using authentic Italian school textbooks.This engaging program focuses on Italian language, traditionalchildren’s music, and games. The Scuola will also includehands-on learning activities, watching video clips, role playing,and projects. Students will be required to bring a 2” binder; allother class supplies and snacks will be provided.Level IAges 5 to 78 Saturday sessions, 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.January 28February 4, 11, 18* (skip 25)March 3, 10, 17, 24Instructors: Elisabetta D’Amanda and Irene Forgensi Hammons$125 for Casa members (Casa members may register a secondchild for $100)$155 for non-members(Textbook will be provided with an additional fee)Casa Italiana LeChase Lounge* Carnevale celebration class includedLevel IIAges 8 to 118 Saturday sessions, 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.January 28February 4, 11, 18* (skip 25)March 3, 10, 17, 24Instructor: Julie Saltrelli$125 for Casa members (Casa members may register a secondchild for $100)$155 for non-members(Textbook will be provided with an additional fee)Casa Italiana Classroom* Carnevale celebration class includedCarnevale!Register for a Carnevale celebration open to all children ofthe community 5-11 years old. Come and listen to the Story ofHarlequin and learn how to make the Carnevale masks as youdiscover about this unique Italian tradition.Saturday, February 1810:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.Instructors: Elisabetta D’Amanda, Julie Saltrelli$20 for Casa members (Casa members may register a secondchild for $15)$25 for non-membersCasa Italiana LeChase LoungeCourse listing & membershipPlease check the courses for which you are registering.☐ Venite a parlare, Level ICasa members who have not yetpurchased textbook: $195Non-members who have not yetpurchased textbook: $205Casa members who have alreadypurchased textbook: $140Non-members who have alreadypurchased textbook: $150No. attending:________Amt. $________☐ Venite a parlare, Level IICasa members who have not yetpurchased textbook: $195Non-members who have not yetpurchased textbook: $205Casa members who have alreadypurchased textbook: $140Non-members who have alreadypurchased textbook: $150No. attending:________Amt. $________Casa Italiana MembershipA one year family membership to the Casa is only $50 — and is also a great gift idea.For those living outside the Rochester area, an Associate Membership is availablefor $35. Please enclose separate payment for membership.Number of memberships: _______________ Amount enclosed: _______________☐ II circoloCasa members: $85 Non-members: $95No. attending:________Amt. $________☐ La cucina italianaCasa members: $145 Non-members: $155No. attending:________Amt. $________☐ Musica maestro!Casa members $60 per childNon-members $80 per childNo. attending:________Amt. $________Casa members may register a second childfor $50☐ La scuola italiana! Level ICasa members $125 per childNon-members $155 per childNo. attending:________Amt. $________Casa members may register a second childfor $100☐ La scuola italiana! Level IICasa members $125 per childNon-members $155 per childNo. attending:________Amt. $________Casa members may register a second childfor $1006 | Casa Italiana Newsletter Spring 2012

Spring Films at the Casaby Frank Lanzafame, Ph.D.The Spring 2012 Film Seriescontinues our dedication to anappreciation of Italian Languageand Culture through Film. All films arefree of charge, open to the public andshown at 3:00 p.m. on Sundays in theCasa Italiana LeChase Lounge.The Orange Thief(2007, 84 min.)Directed by Vinnie Angel, Boogie Dean,and Arthur WilinskiSunday January 22, 2012 at 3:00 p.m.In Sicilian with English subtitlesIn this comedy, a young man steals fruitfrom orchards for survival, sale, and the sheerexcitement of courting danger. He is caughtand thrown into a Sicilian prison. His cell matemakes him an irresistable offer. Upon release,the young man must record the convict’s girlfriendperforming Sicilian folk songs which sheis reluctant to do. In return, he will receive hisown piece of land which he has long coveted.La Tosca(Tosca)(1973, 99 min.)Directed by Luigi MagniSunday February 5, 2012 at 3:00 p.m.In Italian with NO English subtitlesWhile based on the same Sardou story,this is NOT Puccini’s Opera, but an amusingcomedy from the pen of Luigi Magni starringMonica Vitti as Tosca, Gigi Proietti as Cavaradossi,Vittorio Gassman as Scarpia, UmbertoOrsini as Angelotti, and Aldo Fabrizi as theMonsignor with music by Armando Trovajoli.The film opens in St. Andrew’s Church in Romeon June 14, 1800, the day of the Battle ofMarengo, between the Napoleon and Austrianarmies, while the Monsignor begs the Lord tointervene and secure a loss by the French army.Il Prefetto di Ferro(The Iron Prefect)(1977, 112 min.)Directed by Pasquale SquitieriSunday February 19, 2012 at 3:00 p.m.In Italian with English subtitlesThis well structured film tells the fascinatingtrue story of Cesare Mori, sent by Mussolinito Sicily in 1925 to deal with the power andinfluence of the Sicilian Mafia. He was givenunusual freedom and power to deal with anentrenched Mafia. The film documents his mostfamous action, the seige of Gangi, a strongholdof criminal gangs. Some 11,000 arrestsare attributed to Mori’s rule in Palermo. Mori’sinvestigations brought evidence of collusionbetween the Mafia, influential members of theState apparatus, and high-ranking Fascists.This latter aspect brought disapproval by theFascists, and he was removed in 1929 andappointed Senator in Rome.Le Avventure Di Pinocchio(The Adventures of Pinocchio)(1971, 128 min.)Directed by Luigi ComenciniSunday March 4, 2012 at 3:00 p.m.In Italian with English subtitlesThis charming film has been described as thebest version of Pinocchio ever made. Pinocchiois a wooden puppet carved by Geppetto (NinoManfredi), turned into a little boy by a magicalfairy (Gina Lollobrigida). She insists that hebe obedient and loving to Geppetto, but therebellious Pinocchio tries to live independently,having many adventures. He and Geppettoend up in the belly of a whale, finally escapingwith the help of a tuna who brings them backto land. Manfredi’s portrayal of Geppetto is anunforgetable joy to watch.Il Regista Di Matrimoni(The Wedding Director)(2006, 99 min.)Directed by Marco BellocchioSunday March 18, 2012 at 3:00 p.m.In Italian with English subtitlesA famous director (Sergio Castellitto) takes abreak from a film project, going to Sicily wherehe becomes involved in filming a wedding. Inthe time before the wedding, he develops adeep longing for the lovely bride and beginsto try to sabotage her marriage to a wealthylawyer. Rated R for some nudity.La Ragazza Del Lago(The Girl of the Lake)(2007, 96 min.)Directed by Andrea MolaioliSunday April 1, 2012 at 3:00 p.m.In Italian with English subtitlesThis film is set in an idyllic town in the ItalianDolomites, where the corpse of a beautifulyoung girl is found beside an Alpine lake.The murder provides multiple suspects in anengrossing thriller that keeps the audienceguessing as the inspector (Toni Servillo) pursuesthe killer. The more the inspector and thelocal cop investigate, the more questions arise.Sogno Di Una Notte Di Mezza Sbornia(Dream From a Half-IntoxicatedEvening)(1959, 90 min.)Directed by Eduardo De FilippoSunday April 15, 2012 at 3:00 p.m.In Italian with NO English subtitlesThe great poet, Dante Alighieri, appearsin a dream to Pasquale (Eduardo DeFilippo),and gives him three numbers to play the lotto.These numbers also correspond to the date ofPasquale’s death. The poor man is forced todecide whether to play the numbers with theprospects of winning the lottery and beingdoomed to death, or to just forget Dante’snumbers. Pasquale plays the numbers andactually wins. Will Dante’s death prophecycome to pass? This classic comedy written anddirected by Eduardo De Filippo is based ona story by Athos Setti and also stars PupellaMaggio.La Strategia Del Ragno(The Spider’s Stratagem)(1970, 96 min.)Directed by Bernardo BertolucciSunday April 29, 2012 at 3:00 p.m.In Italian with English subtitlesLa Strategia Del Ragno is a beautifully shot,superbly acted film with many twists. At firstglance, the story portrays a man, Athos Jr, whomust solve the murder of his father, Athos Sr.This is urged by his father’s mistress, Draifa(Alida Valli). The father, a leading anti-fascist,was killed by a fascist in 1936—such is theclaim of the town. As the son untangles theweb of lies from which the story is constructed,he finds himself ensnared in the same web.For more informationon this film series,see Frank Lanzafame’swebsite:http://home.roadrunner.com/~flanzafame/Films-F10.htmCasa Italiana Newsletter Spring 2012 | 7

CasaItaliana4245 East AvenueRochester, NY 14618Non-ProfitOrganizationU.S. PostagePAIDRochester, NYPermit No. 473Casa Italiana | spring 2012 Calendar of EventsJANUARY22, Sunday Film. The Orange Thief, directed by VinnieAngel, Boogie Dean, and Arthur Wilinski. InSicilian with English subtitles. Introduction byFrank Lanzafame, Ph.D. 3:00 p.m., Casa ItalianaLeChase Lounge.FEBRUARY5, Sunday Film. La Tosca, directed by Luigi Magni. InItalian with NO English subtitles. Introduction byFrank Lanzafame, Ph.D. 3:00 p.m., Casa ItalianaLeChase Lounge.March, continued29, Thursday Lecture and Film. Per Chi Suona laCampanella, directed by Alessandro DiGregorio and Emiliano Sacchetti. In Italianwith English subtitles. Introduction by thedirectors. Arts Center Room A14, 6:30p.m.APRIL1, Sunday Film. La Ragazza Del Lago, directed by AndreaMolaioli. In Italian with English subtitles.Introduction by Frank Lanzafame. 3:00 p.m.,Casa Italiana LeChase Lounge.19, Sunday Film. Il Prefetto di Ferro, directed by PasqualeSquitieri. In Italian with English subtitles.Introduction by Frank Lanzafame, Ph.D. 3:00p.m., Casa Italiana LeChase Lounge.MARCH4, Sunday Film. Le Avventure Di Pinocchio, directed byLuigi Comencini. In Italian with English subtitles.Introduction by Frank Lanzafame, Ph.D. 3:00p.m., Casa Italiana LeChase Lounge15, Sunday Film. Sogno Di Una Notte Di Mezza Sbornia,directed by Eduardo Filipo. In Italian withNO English subtitles. Introduction by FrankLanzafame. 3:00 p.m., Casa Italiana LeChaseLounge.29, Sunday Film. La Strategia Del Ragno, directed byBernardo Bertolucci. In Italian with NO Englishsubtitles. Introduction by Frank Lanzafame.3:00 p.m., Casa Italiana LeChase Lounge.18, Sunday Film. Il Regista Di Matrimoni directed by MarcoBellocchio. In Italian with English subtitles.Introduction by Frank Lanzafame. 3:00 p.m.,Casa Italiana LeChase Lounge.28, Wednesday Lecture and Film. 8744 directed by AlessandroDi Gregorio and Emiliano Sacchetti. In Italianwith English subtitles. Introduction by thedirectors. Arts Center Room A14, 6:30p.m.JULYTBD, Mon-FriTBD, Mon-FriLanguage and Culture Camp: Session I, forchildren ages five through seven. Registrationbegins in March for members; in April for nonmembers.Call the Casa at (585) 389-2468 formore information.Language and Culture Camp: Session II, forchildren ages seven through ten. Registrationbegins in March for members; in April for nonmembers.Call the Casa at 585-389-2468 formore information.All events are free and open to the public unless otherwise indicated.