OUR NEXT EVENT
Sicilian Salottu Session #3
Juornu di li Muorti
Joins us for an exploration of rituals and stories, honouring life and death and what exists between. Featuring a selection of short films, an exploration of Sicilian folk magic by Rose Inserra, author of Italian Folk Magic, a few tales from the grave and a complimentary sampling of Ossa dei Morti (Bones of the Dead).
The Sicilian Salottu Sessions are the seasonal flagship event series, curated by the SACA collective. Bringing together artists, writers, performers, poets and academics in intimate venues across Melbourne, in a celebration of Sicilian-Australian creativity.
Throughout the calendar year, SACA will be presenting captivating artistic events across a spectrum of venues nestled within the vibrant city of Melbourne. In the meantime, explore the list below for a glimpse into the unforgettable experiences we've had the privilege to share. And to ensure you never miss out on future happenings, be sure to join our mailing list or engage with us on social media.
PAST EVENT
14/07/24
Sicilian Salottu Session #2
Cùntami na storia
Following the success of our first event, our second Sicilian Salottu Session was presented at Ragtime Tavern, Preston on July 14, 2024. It was the perfect theme to suit a cosy interlude perfect for a winter’s evening. Cuntami Na Storia (tell me a story) was a delight to all ears partial to a great story that includes the kind of drama Sicilians are skilled at.
Sicily has a rich tapestry of mythological and historical stories to draw from as well as those inspired by migration and travel. Our participants with their stories did not disappoint.
Complimenting the theme, Elvira Andreoli (The Rustica Project) performed the songs of Sicilian folk musician, Rosa Balistreri.
PAST EVENT
28/04/24
Sicilian Salottu Session #1
Bedda Lingua
On the evening of Sunday the 28th of April, a full house welcomed the first edition of Sicilian Arts Collective Australia’s novel concept, the Sicilian Salottu Sessions. Bringing authentic Sicilian artistic expression into the contemporary bar scene of inner city Melbourne, the evening delivered a celebration of contemporary and traditional culture.
Following the evening’s theme of Bedda Lingua, Rosanna Morales performed a series of poems in her mother-tongue, Ragusano, highlighting the importance of reviving and sustaining mother tongue languages across Australia. Cristina Neri challenged Janetta Ziino and Tino Li Donni to translate a poem in Italian and Sicilian in real time, giving the audience the opportunity to experience the nuances of each language.
The evening then exploded into song and dance to the sultry sounds of Sanacori who combined traditional and contemporary musical instrumentation with soulful singing and storytelling to present songs of love and longing, resistance and rebellion, with such incredible passion and cheekiness – both elemental traits of southern Italian attitude and culture.
With sprinklings of PIPPO DJ (3cr) presenting the best of contemporary Sicilian roots, folk, electronica throughout the evening, the evening closed with much anticipation for the upcoming Sicilian Salottu Session #2.
PAST EVENT
19/03/24
The Last Sicilian
Book Launch
‘Your loving performance, your book, and your poetry touched my soul.’
‘Your presentation was brilliant and of fundamental importance to the couching of your book. I read the language better now that I’ve heard you speak it. Thank you so much. You did wonders for us last night. You opened the door – wide, wider for us all.’
‘What a lovely night! I really enjoyed your entertaining and wonderful book launch – It was truly inspiring to see how you gathered the Sicilian tribe and how much you gave them/us.’