“Canadian Plays of Italian Heritage” Book Launch

Challenging the Definition of “Canadian" Theatre

This landmark collection of thirteen plays plus a previously unpublished translation, by playwrights including Lucia Frangione, Tony Nardi, Nick Mancuso, Dina Morrone and the late Michael Macina, aims to displace critical misconceptions about Italian Canadian theatre. Chosen from a hidden treasure of more than 300 works, the selection honours vital contributions to Canadian theatre identity. By redefining the creators as Canadian playwrights of Italian origin rather than simply Italian writers living in Canada, the editor, Anna Migliarisi, has presented an original and lively account of Italian Canadian performance history dating back to 1786. She has also reconsidered the definition of national theatre, addressed historical omissions, and confronted earlier dismissals of the work as merely marginal or ethnic. The endeavour to set the record straight is unequivocal. The recognition of these plays challenges the larger context of Canadian theatre practice and social history. The influential voices of Italian Canadian playwrights are loud and clear, and worthy of celebration.

Event Program

• Book launch and select readings from “Canadian Plays of Italian Heritage” by Anna Migliarisi, co-published by Guernica Editions and Rocco Galati. With actor-playwrights Dina Marrone, Fab Filippo, Tony Nardi, Adam Paolozzo, Tony Calabretta, Bobby Del Rio, Michaela DeCesare and actor-author Anna Migliarisi.
• Live readings from Marrone’s “Moose on the Loose”, Calabretta’s “Damn Those Wedding Bells” and, in Calabrese, Nardi’s “A Modo Suo (A Fable)” with original cast members Mary Long, Tony Nardi and Lucia Frangione.
• Brief Introductions by Rocco Galati, author of the Forward, Domenico Pietropaolo, author of the Preface and Anna Migliarisi, editor/author of the Anthology.
• The presentations will be followed by a meet-and-greet reception.

Sponsored by Guernica Editions.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery, Columbus Centre, 901 Lawrence Avenue West, Toronto, Canada