On the occasion of the 150th birth of Luigi Pirandello, master of the dramatic arts, whose philosophical writings are enacted on the stage and screen worldwide, the Italian Heritage and Culture Committee of New York, Inc. chooses its 2017 theme, Celebrating Italian Americans: Cinema and Theatre; Saluting Italian American Actors and Directors.

Beginning with Rudolf Valentino’s silent films in the 1920’s and the early Italian ethnic theatre in immigrant communities across the United States in the late 1800’s to the present day Oscar and Tony winners, the list of Italian Americans in the performing arts is too numerous to mention. During 2017, IHCC-NY, Inc. will highlight some of these accomplished performers and directors of cinema and theatre. 

During the year, and especially in October’s Italian Heritage and Culture Month, there will be film and theatre presentations, symposiums, seminars, a student essay contest, proclamations and tributes to those Italian Americans who have brought us entertainment, thought provoking performances and emotional connections through their stellar portrayals. In addition, there will be a special recognition, the IHCC-NY’s highest honor, the daVinci award, granted to an honoree this year for exemplary work in the field of cinema and theatre. 

The IHCC-NY, Inc. is now in its 41st year of promoting, presenting and preserving Italian and Italian American culture and heritage in the Tri-State area. The committee of leaders in the Italian and Italian American community continues its year-round celebration of an annual theme, which is mirrored by others in their event programming throughout New York and in other cities in America. Joseph Sciame, president/chair of the IHCC-NY, Inc. recently stated: “We are delighted to offer and sponsor a wide perspective of the talents of so many who need to be read about and known for their respective contributions to the cinema and theatre of this country. Italian Americans in cinema and theatre have been stellar!” 

The public’s interest and support of the committee’s educational materials, including theme related posters, bookmarks and booklets, which are then distributed free to educational and cultural institutions, is appreciated. This enables the committee’s ongoing education of the general public about the merits of Italian and Italian American culture. 

For the underwriting of the IHCC-NY’s educational materials, which will be noted in the committee’s annual calendar of events, donations can be made by check to: IHCC-NY, Inc. and mailed to IHCC-NY, Inc. c/o Joan Migliori, Calandra Institute, 25 W. 43 St., 17th Floor, NY, NY 10036. For additional information, please call, 212-642-2094.