Living and Dying in Sicilian Time
La Mama Theater - 2011 New York, New York
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This work is about memories of family remembered by their food. The work contrasts the larger family with the lone, solo member who has migrated away for work and has only the food to invoke their presence.
As a transplanted Sicilian/Irish New Yorker who lives in Kentucky, far away from her family and their food, I conjure them by preparing a Borlotti - (Cranberry Bean) Sausage Risotto. The images of the family are taken from a large reunion after the funeral of my great uncle Albert LaMantia. The highlights for me are my Uncle Pete addressing the camera, the baci game, the hair and nails, and my Aunt Lulu who is now deceased. The family, loud and listening to Ricki Martin, is contrasted with the silence of my kitchen.