“Theatrical Migrations Between Italy and the Americas. 18th-20th Century”

On October 30, the Georgetown Humanities Initiative, in collaboration with the Department of Italian Studies, the University of Bergamo, Italy, and the National Italian American Foundation, hosted the conference “Theatrical Migrations Between Italy and the Americas. 18th-20th Century”, which brought together Italian and North American scholars to discuss the migrations of Italian theater professionals from Europe to North, Central and South America during the late-18th and 19th centuries. These artists played a pivotal role in disseminating European-Italian theatrical and entertainment culture throughout the continent.

Additionally, Dr. Greg A. Beaman (Smithsonian NMAH) identified other significant Louisiana Italian set designers, including the celebrated Antonio Mondelli. The remaining papers shifted their focus to the West Coast of the USA, with Professor Anna Maria Testaverde (University of Bergamo) providing an illustration of the first Tuscan theatre professionals based in California. Dr. Elena Mazzoleni (University of Bergamo) presented a paper on Italian circus performers in America during the nineteenth century. Dr. Giulia Bravi (University of Bergamo) delivered a study on the Aguglia family in California during the same period, with reference to Testaverde’s earlier discussion.

Professor Gianni Cicali (Georgetown University, Department of Italian Studies), the conference organiser, presented an account of the activities of Giovan Battista Fogliardi, a stage designer active in New Orleans during the first half of the nineteenth century, who also established the first school of art in Louisiana.

The conference concluded with the screening of the documentary Tutti in scena by director, playwright, and actress Laura Caparrotti (Kairos Italy Theatre, NYC), which explores the lives of early Italian artists between New York and California, including the renowned Farfariello.