Speakers in the Humanities in association with the American Italian Museum and Associationis proud to present: "Celebrating New York State's Century-old Papa Manteo Sicilian Marionette Tradition and Theater"

A Total Sicilian Marionette Demonstration, Talk and Film Presentation by Award-winning TV Producer-Writer-Director and Historian, Tony De Nonno - Thursday Evening May 15, 2014 from 7 – 8:30 P.M. at the The American Italian Heritage Museum and Association - 1227 Central Ave. Albany, NY 12205

Contact: Professor Philip J. DiNovo 518.435.1979 [email protected]

Dr. Philip J. DiNovo and the entire staff of the American Italian Museum and Association, invite people of all ages in Albany to this very special celebration of New York's Century-Old Papa Manteo Sicilian Marionette Tradition at 7 PM Thursday Evening May 15, 2014. This enchanting marionette demonstration, talk and film presentation by award-winning TV Producer-Writer-Director and Speaker in the Humanities, Tony De Nonno, is free and open to all.

It will take place at the American Italian Heritage Museum 1227 Central Ave. Albany, NY 12205 518.435.1979 on Thursday Evening May 15, 2014 from 7 to 8:30 PM.518.435.1979 [email protected]

Mr. De Nonno will take you on an enlightening journey into the life and legacy of puppeteers Mike and Aida Manteo, their children and grandchildren, a family bound together by a Sicilian folk tradition that spans a century in America. Experience this enchanting vision of New York's acclaimed Manteo Marionette Theater, first established on Mulberry Street in Manhattan's Little Italy in 1918.

From the beginning to the end of his presentation, with one of Papa Miguel Manteo's authentic marionettes in hand, Tony De Nonno's invites people of all ages in attendance to be active participants. They will marvel as the marionette, resplendent in it suit of armor, struts, walks and talks and engages in battle-ready combat stances with chivalrous aplomb.

It is an enchanting 1000 year-old journey into to the origin of the glorious Sicilian Marionette tradition.

One of the highlights of this engaging presentation will be the screening of
Tony De Nonno award-winning, nationally broadcast PBS Network documentary about the Manteos entitled— "It's One Family: Knock on Wood."

Several of the 'children' of all ages' in attendance will have the chance to bring one of Papa Manteo's hand-made knights to life. "I am looking forward to sharing this magnificent and enduring art form with everyone in attendance at the American Italian Museum – and especially revealing to them how the glorious Sicilian Marionette tradition contributed greatly to the birth of literature, history and so much more." Rest assured it will be a joyous and memorable experience for all." exclaims, Tony De Nonno.

For more info about Tony De Nonno please visit: www.denonnoproductions.com

or Google Tony De Nonno, NY Humanities.org