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The Andreolesi were always at the forefront of activity in
their daily lives. Hard working, industrious, sacrificing, and always
looking for a life that promised them security. It was this intense desire
to better themselves that led to an outflow of emigration to many parts of
the world. The Paese was mired in poverty by modern days standards, but then
no one knew that poverty
existed. The Andreolesi went about their daily life accepting all that came
their way. It was in this atmosphere that one of the best-kept secrets lies.
The "Theatre". It started at the Asilo Infantile by the Suore
Riparatrici. The Theatre consisted of a temporary stage set up in the
cortile up against the steps that lead to what was once the Refettorio,
Madre Pia, Madre Benita e Madre Gioconda were responsible for the
preparation of the theatrical production. I remember the stars too!! Nuzza
(daughter of Ndruzzu da Carbinera), her cousin, the sister of
Angiolino Codispoti and Mariannina Ranieri.
The success of the plays was such that eventually it was
transferred to the Oratorio. There it
became a huge success mostly due to the unquenchable thirst of the
Andreolesi for culture and learning. Two people are most responsible for the
great success that the theatre enjoyed: Don Bruno Cosentino (Colabati)
and Don Ciccio Cosentino (Yes!!! At that time a giant was inside Don Ciccio).
Don Bruno was responsible for the construction of the hall, which is
adjacent to the Church, and Don Ciccio was the dynamic force behind its
development. The one (Don Bruno) led a very austere and frugal life but knew
no boundaries in giving in order to give the people of S.Andrea a spiritual
map. The other (Don Ciccio) had an undying love for the youth and would
anything to create the proper environment for them. Originally the
productions were done in the hall on a temporary stage like the one at the
Asilo. The audience was required to bring their own chairs. Such enterprises
were so successful that once again Don Bruno Cosentino came to the rescue by
supplying the funds to build the present theatre. I am old enough to
remember the construction. Under the leadership of Don Ciccio the oratorio
became a beehive of spiritual as well as entertainment. Plays were staged at
rapid pace, sometimes once a month. As one was being performed another was
in the rehearsal stages. Yours truly was a member of the group, and although
I enjoyed some leading roles, I have to admit that the stars were Nicolino
Romeo (now Dott. Romeo) Bruno Lijoi (segretario della scuole medie) Enzo
Lijoi (the son of Ntuani do Tamburrinaru) and my own uncle
Vincenzo Iorfida. These guys in drama and tragedies were capable of evoking
tears from the rocks in the garden. Each dramatic performance was
immediately followed by a comedic sketch, and in comedy the team of Alfonso
Dominijanni (Do Panificiu), Gerardo Betro' and Gentile Dominijanni
were unsurpassed in comedic skills. The audience would roll in the aisles
with tears of laughter. (I understand that Gerardo has since withdrawn from
any social life, but at that time he was the reigning monarch of "U
Castiaddhu". Life surely changes!!! Bruno Migali was undeniably the
champion of makeup artistry.
With the fall of Fascism and the advent of Communism and
Socialism, new forces came into the cultural arena. A Centro di Cultura was
formed with the aim of exerting cultural influence among the Andreolesi.
They too, established a theatre, and had as their star Vincenzo Frustaci who
had excellent credentials in theatre work. Upon leaving the Seminary he
joined a professional troupe of actors and travelled throughout Italy
performing. Vincenzo was the son of Bruno e Veneranda. Eventually
their theatre failed for lack of physical facilities in which they could
perform. Their actors were as good as we were, and credit must be given them
for introducing women to female roles. They had the courage to break the
ice, and as result new avenues were opened to S.Andrea Culture.
In 1945 Don Saverino Bevivino (son of Ciccio e Pualita)
returned to S.Andrea from Cardinale where he had been Archpriest. He took a
very active role in the management of L'Oratorio spelling Don Ciccio, who by
that time had assumed a heavy role in the Chiesa Matrice, and did not have
enough time to devote to what he loved most, "His Oratorio". Under
Don Saverino's guidance and leadership the Palcoscenico underwent a radical
change: new lights, new wings and an entire new decor. Leading the way with
the artistic work were Gerardo Betro' and Domenico Vitale (the son of
Vincenzo), while the carpenter work was contributed by Cece' Dominijanni and
his brother Bruno (Sons of Vincenzino e Colabati) and Saverio e
Nicola Bressi (Sons of Micu e Terramuatu). We all contributed,
some of us less talented going to Soverato to purchase the lumber necessary
for the project. I am proud to say that we were a close ly knit group and
accomplished much with the little we had. The experience gained was
priceless, as it became a pool of resources when in later years I was called
upon to speak before a crowd. Yes I would be somewhat nervous but always
composed and in control!!
Early in 1946,the theatre underwent modernization. The floors were
lowered and the Loge was to be changed to accommodate cinematography. I never saw
the finished product as I left that fall. I returned in June 2001 and went to
l'Oratorio for a visit. I found everything under lock and key. Even the
church was barred. I wanted so badly to enter and offer a prayer as I used to as
child and as a youth to Maria Ausiliatrice. Memories of a gone by era flowed
through the rivers of my mind, and once more I heard the commotion, the laughter, the noise as Don Bruno and Don Ciccio came back to life.
To Francesco Romeo, Alfredo Varano and all the others responsible for this
new Cultural Medium, I offer my gratitude and sincere thanks. To Anna my
faithful translator, who, better than anyone else, can capture my thoughts and put
them in the most beautiful language; "Italian’. To all Andreolesi,
wherever they may be "I LOVE YOU ALL". Angelo Iorfida Jan3-2002. If the readers
wonder why I choose to write in English, let me assure them that it is not
lack of love towards Dante's Idiom as it is my inability to express my
thoughts. After 56 yrs my Italian Vocabulary leaves a lot to be desired!!
The memories are with me but not the ability to express them. I hope you will find it in your hearts to forgive me.
Angelo Iorfida
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