We are proud to announce the 1st edition of Italian Theater in the Twin Cities, with The Great Duel Between Orlando and Rinaldo for the Beautiful Angelica’s Sake, a unique performance by the famed Italian theater company Associazione Figli d’Arte Cuticchio on Saturday, October 27, 7:30 PM, at the Illusion Theater in Minneapolis.

This is a rare opportunity to see a performance of the Sicilian Opera dei Pupi, led by master puppeteer Mimmo Cuticchio, outside of Italy. An understanding of the Italian language is not required to enjoy this amazing show. Opera dei Pupi (“pupi” means puppets in Italian) represents a unique example of the Italian theatrical tradition showcasing one of the most important artists of the contemporary Italian stage.

Mimmo Cuticchio’s Opera dei Pupi has been seen around the world — across Europe, Australia, Japan, and Indonesia and to San Francisco in 2010 and 2015. His theater also inspired a film documentary directed by American actor John Turturro and Roman Paska. The Opera dei Pupi is included in the UNESCO Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list. This 1st edition of Italian Theater in the Twin Cities is part of "Italian Excellence in Arts and Sciences", a new series of cultural events and lectures curated by Francesca Bortoletti and organized by the Italian Cultural Center. This first edition is made possible by the support of the Istituto Italiano di Cultura, Chicago, and through a grant from the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council.

Mark your calendars, more soon!