Mimmo Cuticchio, master puppeteer and one of the last true heirs of the Sicilian theatrical tradition of the Opera dei Pupi, brings two free performances of "The Great Duel between Orlando and Rinaldo for the Beautiful Angelica's Sake" to Illinois. The first will take place Tuesday, Oct. 30 at 6 p.m. at the University of Illinois, Foellinger Auditorium, 709 S Mathews Ave, Urbana, IL 61801. The second will take place Friday, Nov. 2 at 4:30 p.m. at Chicago's Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts, Theater East, 915 E. 60th St., on the campus of the University of Chicago. The performances are recommended for ages 4 and up.

The performances tell the otherworldly, magical war story of Orlando and Rinaldo as they desert the French army in pursuit of the beautiful princess Angelica, battle with outlandish beasts in the forest, challenge each other to a duel and are only saved from destroying each other by the convenient intervention of an enterprising wizard.