Dante Alighieri Society - Melbourne Branch - Agosto 2015
Dante Alighieri - Il Sommo Poeta
750th Anniversary of his birth 1265 - 2015
Born into a highly respected Florentine family in the summer of 1265,
Dante Alighieri is one of Italy’s most renowned poets. Like most
well-to-do children, Dante was well educated as a boy, however he
is thought to have acquired the majority of his classical knowledge
through personal endeavour. Dante was the most observant
and articulate of writers. He was an ambitious poet and he was
encouraged to write by the two most famous Florentine intellectuals
Brunetto Latini (c.1220-94) who was possibly his teacher, and the
brilliant and innovative poet Guido Cavalcanti (c.1250-1300).
He was profoundly absorbed in himself; but he was also involved
with the central political and social issues of the time. Being born
into a Florentine society in the grip of political upheaval, Dante, like
many of his contemporaries, became embroiled in the GuelphGhibelline struggle for control over the city. A Guelph himself, it was
indeed Dante’s involvement with politics which led to his expulsion
from Florence and spending the last two decades of his life in bitter
exile. Had he been a successful Florentine politician he may not have
written his Commedia.
This was an age when Europe had passed through remarkable
technological changes, kings no longer controlled the supply of
money but the first banks were set up in Italy. The first mechanical
clock, spinning wheels, spectacles, buttons for clothing, wind mills
became great inventions.
Dante’s first known composition - a sonnet inspired by his love for
his childhood sweetheart Beatrice - is believed to have been written
when the poet was just eighteen. It was an arranged marriage
between their families that brought Dante and Gemma Donati
together from which she bore him four children; however, his love
for Beatrice is believed to have inspired the poet’s two most notable
works - the Vita Nuova and the Divina Commedia - named Divina by
his friend Giovanni Boccaccio.
Various sources indicate that Dante was approximately 35 years of
age when he began to write the Commedia. The year 1300 was
proclaimed by Pope Boniface VIII as a Holy Year that resulted in
continual pilgrimages to Rome of people from many parts of the
world. Dante is believed to have also taken this pilgrimage during
Easter time (7-10 April) when he underwent his personal and
imaginary journey through Hell, Purgatory and Paradise - Inferno
Purgatorio e Paradiso.
Dante died in 1321 in Ravenna at the age of 56, never having returned
to his native Florence. His final cantico, Paradiso, was published in
his new home shortly before his death.
The Divina Commedia is considered one of the greatest works of
poetry ever produced and continues to be studied in Italy and across
the world. Dante Alighieri has been of immense inspiration to writers,
poets, artists and musicians who have read his work.
Dante Alighieri Society - Melbourne
Branch office: 308 Drummond Street (PO Box 1124), Carlton VIC 3053
Telephone: (03) 9349 1143
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.dantemelbourne.com.au
Facebook: facebook.com/pages/Dante-Alighieri-Giovani-Official/230422960363492
Greetings from the President
Dear members and friends of the Dante Alighieri Society
I am grateful to Claudia McLean and Mary Marcuccio for presenting
this edition of Dante Oggi. With the rest of my committee, we plan for
you, as many activities and events that hopefully generate goodwill
and friendship among the membership.
It has been a special year so far, with an emphasis on Dante Alighieri
who we remember as the greatest poet of all time. In September I will
be attending the Biannual Conference of the Society that will be held
in Milan and I hope to come away from the three days with realistic
challenges that my committee and I may be able to implement.
A sincere thank you to our generous donors the Santoro &
McCormick families who continue to give awards to the university
students. I am happy that the Italian Club Cavour is also able to
contribute annually to these prizes. This is a very generous Club that
recognizes and values our work in promoting Italian to students in
schools and in universities.
I congratulate all the students who have taken part in the Primary
& Secondary School Competitions this year. With regards to the
recitations I am always impressed by the standard of excellence
as I listen to the students on the performing night at the Awards
Ceremony. I am sure this year on the 4th September I will hear the
same exuberance from this year’s winners. Thank you to Donna
Salera, Imogen Lazarus and Ester Marcuccio for all the hard work
and the expertise they use in these competitions. A mammoth task
that is very much appreciated.
To celebrate the poet Dante Alighieri the Multimedia Competition
has been given two themes to follow. The students need to make
their own representations based on the titles: Dante e Firenze –
for Primary school Years 5 & 6 and Dante e La Sua Fiorenza for
students in years 7 to 12. This is challenging work that individual
students choose to do and it is submitted by the school. Prizes
of money given to the Society from the Italian Club Cavour, are
awarded to the students and the school’s Italian department. I hope
that many students under the guidance of their teacher/s will rise to
the occasion and show their technological skills.
This year the committee has directed the two scholarships to Italy to
be awarded to teachers of Italian. Through this scholarship we want
to recognize the valuable and often difficult work that is carried out
by the teachers in the Victorian schools. The successful applicants
will have the opportunity to enhance their study of the language
and culture in Italy and use this knowledge with their students. I
The Dante Alighieri Society wishes to
thank its sponsors for their generous support.
Casa D’Abruzzo Epping
The Committee: Ester, Donna, Imogen, Claudia, Christina, Dominic, Mary, Teresa.
Absent: Marco, Lacivita, Agata Colosimo, Paolo Baracchi.
sincerely thank Mr & Mrs Eusebio & Giovanna Marcocci and
Mrs Elsie Valmorbida for their collaboration with the Society. Our
endeavour to keep promoting Italian to the generations of tomorrow
is so important.
Information regarding the Multimedia Competition and the
scholarship can be found on the website.
Welcome to Dott. Anna Rita Tamponi who was appointed the
Education Officer for schools by the Italian Government. Her role
encompasses visiting schools in Australia where Italian is taught,
so I wish her well in her many travels and extensive responsibility.
I am very appreciative to the Consul General of Victoria and Tasmania
Dr Marco Cerbo, for his sincere interest in the work of the Society.
His presence at many of the Italian club functions and his words that
continue to encourage solidarity are very strong and impressive.
I am also grateful to Marco Lacivita for his choice of films again
this year. Also thank you to Mr Nicolas Panayotis who continues to
select very appropriate music pieces for our cultural events. Several
people have also enjoyed meeting, drinking coffee and reading Italian
literature with Mrs Tresoldi. This is another way of keeping in touch
with our members and giving them an opportunity to embrace their
love of Italian culture. Many thanks Signora Laura! And to Teresa
Colaianni, thank you for your talent, creative imagination and the
passion for Italian that you bring to the Society with your “Giovani”.
Regrettably we have lost some very generous and long existing
members of the Society in Mrs Joanne Pace (Casa del Gelato) Mrs
Pia Munari and Mr Aldo Pierini. I am joined by my committee in
expressing our deepest condolences to the families.
Thank you to all my committee for the work that continues to be
done so efficiently. I am also grateful to our many sponsors who
continue to be supportive of the Italian language and her culture.
My best wishes to each of you and your families.
Dr. Dominic Barbaro, AM
President
MUSEO
ITALIANO
Family of the late
Prof. Colin & Mrs
Josephine McCormick
E. Valmorbida & E. Marcocci families
2
Dominic Barbaro with
Prof. Anna Rita Tamponi and
Paolo Baracchi.
Dante Alighieri Society - Melbourne Branch - Agosto 2015
I successi della Dante
Nei primi sei mesi del 2015 la Società Dante Alighieri ha organizzato
un vasto numero di iniziative e attività culturali a cui hanno partecipato
in gran numero soci e simpatizzanti. Come si sa la Società svolge un
importante compito, quello di diffondere la conoscenza della lingua
e cultura italiana al di fuori del Bel Paese e la Società di Melbourne,
con a capo il Presidente dott. Dominic Barbaro, affiancato dalla
VicePresidente Mary Marcuccio e dal Comitato Esecutivo, ha
assunto questa responsabilità con grande impegno.
L’anno si è aperto con il consueto GARDEN PARTY e con la
premiazione da parte della “Dante” dei migliori studenti universitari
che si sono distinti nello studio dell’italiano, raggiungendo un’alta
votazione nell’anno accademico del 2014. La premiazione è
avvenuta domenica 15 marzo presso una sala del Centro Assisi per
gli Anziani di Rosanna.
I professori d’italiano delle università di Melbourne, Monash, La
Trobe e Swinburne hanno scelto gli studenti meritevoli che hanno
ricevuto un premio dalla Societa’ e dai suoi sostenitori: le famiglie
Santoro, McCormick e il Club Cavour.
Arte, poesia e letteratura si sono fuse nel “pomeriggio culturale” dal
titolo : DANTE E GIOVANNI BOCCACCIO: L’AMORE E LE DONNE,
svoltasi la domenica del 22 marzo per gli amanti della cultura
italiana, nell’ambito delle iniziative organizzate in occasione del
750esimo anniversario della nascita di Dante Alighieri.
Giovanni Boccaccio, vissuto dal 1313 al 1375 fu un grande della
letteratura italiana, biografo e commentatore di Dante. A farci da
guida in questo viaggio nel tempo sono stati la professoressa
Patrizia Burley Lombardi e il professore Nicolas Panayotis. La
relatrice prof.Patrizia Burley, ha parlato della letteratura di Boccaccio
con lo sguardo rivolto a Dante, alla loro visione dell’amore e alle
figure femminili presenti nelle opere dei due autori. La presentazione
è stata accompagnata da musica rinascimentale, immagini e brani
letti dal prof. Nicolas Panayotis. Poiché si è parlato anche di donne,
si sono potute osservare immagini della moda seguita dalle dame
del 1300.
I soci hanno poi potuto apprezzare alcuni dei film più importanti del
cinema italiano, nel corso di appuntamenti domenicali. Il tema della
rassegna è stato “LA COMMEDIA ALL’ITALIANA” e Marco Lacivita,
membro del Comitato Esecutivo ha scelto i film: Amici miei, Pane e
Cioccolata, e C’eravamo tanto amati. Una rassegna di film che ci ha
fatto ricordare un’Italia degli anni 50, 60 e 70 che non c’è più.
Una cena speciale tenutasi sabato 13 giugno presso “Caterina’s
Cucina e Bar” , uno dei più accoglienti ristoranti della città e organizzata
per celebrare il 750esimo anniversario del Sommo Poeta, ha visto il
connubio fra cultura e gastronomia. 110 commensali hanno potuto
gustare un menù particolare, ispirato ai sapori e profumi dei piatti
che si preparavano nel lontano Medioevo e ideato dalla ristoratrice
Caterina Borsato e dai suoi abili chefs. Fra i dignitari presenti c’era
anche il Console Generale d’Italia a Melbourne, Dott. Marco Cerbo,
che nel suo discorso di ringraziamento, ha citato alcuni versi della
Divina Comedia. La regione Toscana è stata rappresentata dal
Presidente del Club Toscana signor Bruno Dinelli accompagnato
dalla moglie Raffaella.
Il professore Nick Panayotis che per conto della Società Dante
Alighieri ha organizzato in passato alcune “Lectura Dantis” ha recitato
i primi famosi versi dell’Inferno e ci ha trasportati nell’oscurità del
luogo infernale per risalire poi verso l’ alto con il trentesimo Canto
del Paradiso che descrive il fiume di luce. Un interludio musicale è
stato proposto dal tenore Robert Barbaro che con la sua bella voce
ha interpretato una romanza dall’opera “Il Rigoletto”. La cena si è
conclusa con il taglio della magnifica torta che Teresa Colaianni ha
ideato ispirandosi alle tre parti della Divina Commedia.
Fare cultura. È questo l’imperativo alla base della stagione culturale
della Società Dante Alighieri, e con questa intenzione ogni secondo
mercoledì del mese vanno in scena gli incontri di “CHIACCHIERANDO
IN ITALIANO ALLA DANTE” curati da Laura Tresoldi. Durante questi
appuntamenti ci si sofferma sulla poesia e prosa italiane, leggendo e
commentando brani scelti dai partecipanti. Un’ora piacevole aperta
a tutti che hanno in comune il gusto e il piacere di esprimersi nella
nostra bella lingua.
Gli incontri, che sono liberi a tutti, si tengono ogni due settimane, il
mercoledì dalle 2.30 alle 3.30 del pomeriggio presso la sede della
Società Dante Alighieri 308 Drummond Street, Carlton.
Nel calendario culturale pieno di incontri, concorsi, e lezioni non
manca mai l’annuale LECTURA DANTIS che in questa occasione
è stata particolarmente importante per la ricorrenza del 750esimo
anno dalla nascita del grande Poeta.
Domenica 9 agosto, il presentatore Prof. John Lando ha letto il
Canto XXXIII dell’Inferno ed ha poi approfondito la figura del Conte
Ugolino colpevole di essersi cibato dei figli prima di morire nella
Torre della Fame. Musiche ed immagini a cura del Prof. Nicolas
Panayotis hanno accompagnato la presentazione.
Far appassionare i giovani al Poeta e così avvicinare Dante agli
studenti delle scuole medie superiori è stato uno degli obiettivi della
Società in occasione del Concorso di Poesia e di Prosa del 2015.
Questo progetto ambizioso ha riscontrato un grandissimo successo,
infatti fra i 3000 studenti che hanno preso parte al Concorso, un
gran numero ha scelto di mettersi alla prova e di recitare stralci
tratti dalla Divina Commedia. È stata una scommessa che la Dante
ha vinto grazie alla determinazione e allo spirito di rinnovamento
continuo del Concorso da parte dell’organizzatrice Ester Marcuccio.
La Società Dante Alighieri di Melbourne è stata lieta quest’anno di
dare il benvenuto alla dott.ssa Anna Rita Tamponi. La dott.ssa Anna
Rita Tamponi copre il ruolo di Director of Educational and Cultural
Office, avendo la responsabilità di questa carica per conto del
Governo Italiano su tutto il territorio australiano. La sede del suo
ufficio è a Canberra.
La dott.ssa Tamponi ha incontrato i responsabili degli Enti e delle
Organizzazioni coinvolte nell’ insegnamento e nella promozione
della lingua e cultura italiana a Melbourne e poichè la Società Dante
Alighieri fin dal 1896 è impegnata in questo importante compito,
la dott.ssa Tamponi ha voluto prendere atto delle molte attività e
iniziative della sede di Melbourne. La dott. ssa Tamponi si è detta
piacevolmente colpita dal lavoro svolto da volontari che per amore
della nostra bella lingua offrono generosamente il loro tempo libero e
la loro lunga esperienza in molti campi. Tutto questo per il bene della
Società e per promuovere l’immagine dell’Italia all’estero.
I primi sei mesi del 2015 sono stati dunque fitti di appuntamenti e
incontri che rispondono bene all’obiettivo prefisso: fare cultura, e
farla di grande qualità.
Chiacchierando in Italiano alla Dante
Dante Alighieri Society - Melbourne Branch - Agosto 2015
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Garden Party - 15th March, Assissi Centre - Rosanna
A Cultural Afternoon - 22nd March
Italian Film Nights in May
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Dante Alighieri Society - Melbourne Branch - Agosto 2015
Reflecting on the Society’s successes
The year began in its usual friendly style with the annual GARDEN
PARTY that celebrated the past year’s achievements of the students
from our universities where Italian is taught.
Congratulations to Giovanni Naselli, Stephen Ciavarella, Marc
Privitelli, Angus Brown, Carolina Biasoli, Patrizio Briganti, Susanna
Sibillin, Esther Mohring, Patrick Chaanin, Adele Di Bari, Bianca Strebl,
Matthew Bernardi, Damian Fragapane. These students are continuing
to study Italian at the University of Melbourne, Monash, Swinburne
University of Technology and LaTrobe respectively. Family members,
university lecturers and many supporters of the Society were present
to witness the students receive acknowledgement for their excellent
results throughout 2014. The Society is continuously grateful for the
generosity shown by the Soccorso Santoro family, the Professor Colin
and Josephine McCormick family, and this year for the first time the
Italian Club Cavour. These awards financially assist the students and it
is a way of applauding them for their hard endeavours. A special thank
you to the universities for the work they do in their Italian department
with the students who speak so enthusiastically of their courses.
In April we began to celebrate the 750th anniversary of birth of Dante
Alighieri with a very fitting tribute to him. Dante’s friend GIOVANNI
BOCCACCIO named the Commedy Divina. A very well planned
lecture with lots of moments for audience to interact was planned
by the capable Dantista and lecturer Patrizia Burley Lombardi. With
the assistance of reader Nicolas Panayotis, they read passages from
several short stories that highlighted the women in the lives of Dante
& Boccaccio. Special images of the fashion and role of women during
that period made the presentation both interesting and entertaining
Our brief but very enjoyable screening of ITALIAN FILMS was an
opportunity for socialising, bringing new friends to the membership
as well as watching several classic movies that told stories of Italy in
the 50s, 60s and 70s. The films Amici Miei, Pane e Cioccolata and
C’Eravamo Tanto Amati were partly dramatic and part comedy but a
relaxing way to spend late Sunday afternoon, before the start of a new
working week. We shall resume this event in November, with more
Italian classics.
To continue with tradition, but more importantly, to celebrate the
birth of Dante Alighieri in a more appropriate ambience his time, the
ANNUAL DINNER was held at Caterina’s Cucina and Bar in Melbourne.
It is always pleasing for the committee to celebrate this event in large
numbers, but this year again, it was necessary for reasons of limited
space to refuse bookings. Caterina Borsato, our host and her chefs
planned a very appropriate medieval menu for the night. The good
company, friendships rekindled, laughter and spirit of joy to win one
or more of the raffle prizes, and those who took part in the quiz about
Dante Alighieri, together with the good wine and food made the evening
memorable for all. We were honoured to have Caterina explain the
reason for the choice of of dishes that were prepared. This was aptly
followed by Mr Peter DeMaio, writer and food critic, who entertained
the guests with his recollections of different food and ingredients that
his family used; still part of our authentic Italian cuisine. Among many
guests of honour, the President Dominic Barbaro welcomed the Consul
General, Marco Cerbo, Mr Bruno Dinelli - President of the Toscana
Club and his gracious wife Raffaela and Emeritus President Thomas
Hazell. Fr. Anthony Bernal, Parish Priest of St Mary’s Star of the Sea
Catholic Church led the guests with a prayer of Grace before dinner
- a medieval form that would have been used by Dante himself. The
birthday cake prepared by Teresa Colaianni of Dante Giovani did not
diminish her talent again this year. Teresa’s cake chose to represent
the 3 books of the Divine Commedy - Hell, Purgatory and Paradise.
The evening could not have concluded in a more spectacular manner
for all the guests as they listened to tenor Robert Barbaro brilliantly
sing an aria from Il Rigoletto.
CONVERSATIONS IN ITALIAN WITH DANTE has seen a small but
dedicated group of people meet every second Wednesday of the
month to read and discuss passages from Italian literature with Mrs
Laura Tresoldi. This is another opportunity for our members to come
together and revisit, explore and appreciate the works of poets such
as Leopardi, DeAmicis and Carducci.
The Dante Society’s Foundation birthday has been remembered again
this year on the 9th August with a LECTURA DANTIS. Professor John
Lando, lecturer in Italian studies at Australian Catholic University for
almost 30 years was the sole presenter this year. Canticle XXXIII of
Hell was the one chosen by the professor who gave a concise and
interesting introduction related to the political turmoil of the time,
Dante’s political associations and the revenge of Count Ugolino. Prof.
Lando’s eloquence in bringing true meaning to the selected verses
was made even more impressionable with the music chosen by
Nicolas Panayotis. Many questions were raised by those present, and
some more poignant ones were alluded to in a documentary/interview
that followed the reading. A thoroughly enjoyable afternoon among
Dantisti, studiosi e appassionati of Dante !
Competitions
The Primary Schools’ Poster Competition this year took on the
theme of Fairy Tales, Fables and Myths.
Over 800 entries were submitted and judged. All the entrants receive
a certificate and this year it was decided to add another certificate
with the category - Certificato di Eccellenza for those students
who were not able to receive a 1st, 2nd or 3rd prize. In total the
certificates awarded are Certificate of Excellence, High Distinction,
Honourable Mention, Merit and Participation. This year the judges
expressed amazement and commendation for the amount of effort
and time that was devoted to completing the individual poster by
each student. Every year this task of judging and giving prizes
becomes more difficult. It is truly pleasing to the coordinators to note
the interest that is displayed by the teachers in the primary schools
who support this competition and give it their time in the classroom,
so that children can produce excellent work. A ceremony to present
the children with their prizes has been organised for a Saturday
afternoon in November.
The Poetry Recitations and Literary Competitions for students
in secondary schools were held in June. Total entrants exceeded
3400. Again the effort of the students has been greatly valued. The
students came in large numbers to the University of Melbourne to
perform their recitation and on the 24th July, 229 students returned
for the finals. This year the coordinator of the competitions chose
to introduce some verses from the Divine Comedy into the year 9
and 10 selection of poems to be memorised. The judges expressed
much joy while listening to many 13, 14 and 15 year old students
recite the verses. The performance and high standard of excellence
continues to exist among the students at all year levels and it is a
powerful moment to witness how serious these young people are
in this competition. The poems have been included in this edition in
the following pages.
The Presentation of Awards ceremony for the winning students,
family members and school staff will take place on Friday 4th
September at The Spot - Economics & Business Centre, The
University of Melbourne. Members of the Society are also very
welcome to attend the evening.
Dante Alighieri Society - Melbourne Branch - Agosto 2015
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750th Anniversary Dinner of Dante Alighieri
13th June, Caterina’s Cucina & Bar
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Dante Alighieri Society - Melbourne Branch - Agosto 2015
Dante Alighieri Society - Melbourne Branch - Agosto 2015
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Poetry Recitation Competition 2015
Year 9
Natale
di Giuseppe Ungaretti
Inferno – Canto I
Versi 1-12
di Dante Alighieri
Nel mezzo del cammin di nostra vita
Mi ritrovai per una selva oscura,
ché la diritta via era smarrita. Ahi quanto a dir qual era è cosa dura
esta selva selvaggia e aspra e forte
che nel pensier rinova la paura! Tant’è amara che poco è più morte;
ma per trattar del ben ch’i’ vi trovai,
dirò de l’altre cose ch’i’ v’ho scorte. Io non so ben ridir com’i’ v’intrai,
tant’era pien di sonno a quel punto
che la verace via abbandonai. Il cane
di Danilo Capponi
Se scegli un cane,
sceglilo bastardo.
Ha negli occhi
la febbre dell’amore,
nelle orecchie
il sibilo del vento,
sulla pelle
l’odore della vita.
Sa di brina
e di rugiada.
Sprizza filosofia
dai pori.
Di razza non vale.
Suo malgrado,
è stato omologato,
come te, noi, tanti.
Mai abbaierà alla luna
solo per amicizia.
Rio Bo
di Aldo Palazzeschi
Tre casettine
dai tetti aguzzi,
un verde praticello,
un esiguo ruscello: Rio Bo,
un vigile cipresso.
Microscopico paese, è vero,
paese da nulla, ma però...
c’è sempre di sopra una stella,
una grande, magnifica stella,
che a un dipresso...
occheggia colla punta del cipresso
di Rio Bo.
Una stella innamorata!
Chi sa se nemmeno ce l’ha
una grande città.
8
Un altro giorno, memore
di quanto era accaduto,
l’animale orecchiuto,
ivi tornato carico
di spugne sul groppone,
pensò: “Và che ti servo, o mio padrone!”
E cadde per ripetere
Il giuoco un’altra volta;
ma le spugne s’imbevvero
d’acqua, e la bestia stolta
dal gran peso gravata,
non potendosi alzar, morì annegata.
3
6
9
12
Non ho voglia
di tuffarmi
in un gomitolo
di strade.
Ho tanta
stanchezza
sulle spalle.
Lasciatemi così
come una
cosa
posata
in un
angolo
e dimenticata.
Qui
non si sente
altro
che il caldo buono.
Sto
con le quattro
capriole
di fumo
del focolare.
Autunno
di Vincenzo Cardarelli
Autunno.
Già lo sentimmo venire
nel vento d’agosto,
nelle pioggie di settembre
torrenziali e piangenti,
e un brivido percorse la terra
che ora, nuda e triste,
accoglie un sole smarrito.
Ora passa e declina,
in quest’autunno che incede
con lentezza indicibile,
il miglior tempo della nostra vita
e lungamente ci dice addio.
Year 10
L’io singolare
Inferno – Canto II
di Patrizia Cavalli
Versi 58-66, 70-74
di Dante Alighieri
“O anima cortese mantoana,
di cui la fama ancor nel mondo dura,
e durera quanto ‘l mondo lontana, l’amico mio, e non de la ventura,
ne la diserta piaggia è impedito
sì nel cammin, che vòlt’ è per paura; e temo che non sia già sì smarrito,
ch’io mi sia tardi al soccorso levata,
per quel ch’i’ ho di lui nel cielo udio. I’ son Beatrice che ti faccio andare; vegno del loco ove tornar disio;
amor mi mosse, che mi fa parlare. Quando sarò dinanzi al segnor mio,
di te mi loderò sovente a lui”.
L’asino avveduto
di Giuseppe Cammelli
C’era una volta un asino
Che passava, a gran pena,
un fiume con un carico
di sale sulla schiena;
ma fece male il passo,
pel troppo peso ed inciampò in un sasso.
Cadde nell’acqua il misero,
e com’è naturale,
per una legge fisica
si sciolse tutto il sale;
il somaro contento
salutò con un raglio il lieto evento.
60
63
66
70
72
Ma questo non è sonno.
Io dormo nove ore ma non dormo.
Non mi accoglie il risveglio
perché anche se dormo io veglio.
La notte non mi stringe
e non mi chiude a letto,
anche se ho il corpo steso
non mi toglie al mio peso.
I miei non sono sogni
ma sono spiegazioni
pedanti e laboriose,
repliche scialbe e oziose
delle mie poche azioni.
E i suoni ampi e lontani
non aprono il mattino
diversità del fuori,
ma sono lo spavento
del giorno e dei rumori.
Year 11
Purgatorio – Canto XXXI
Versi 37-42, 49-63
di Dante Alighieri
Ed ella, “Se tacessi o se negassi
ciò che confessi, non fora men nota
la colpa tua: da tal giudice sassi! Ma quando scoppia de la propria gota
l’accusa del peccato, in nostra corte
rivolge sé contra ’l taglio la rota… 39
42
Dante Alighieri Society - Melbourne Branch - Agosto 2015
Mai non t’appresentò natura o arte piacer,
quanto le belle membra in ch’io rinchiusa fui, e
che so’ ’n terra sparte; 51
e se ’l sommo piacer sì ti fallio
per la mia morte, qual cosa mortale
dovea poi trarre te nel suo disio? 54
Ben ti dovevi, per lo primo strale
de le cose fallaci, levar suso
di retro a me che non era più tale. 57
Non ti dovea gravar le penne in giuso,
ad aspettar più colpo, o pargoletta
o altra novità con sì breve uso. 60
Novo augelletto due o tre aspetta;
ma dinanzi da li occhi d’i pennuti
rete si spiega indarno o si saetta”. 63
All’Automobile da corsa
di Filippo Tommaso Marinetti
Veemente dio d’una razza d’acciaio,
Automobile ebbrrra di spazio,
che scalpiti e frrremi d’angoscia
rodendo il morso con striduli denti...
Formidabile mostro giapponese,
dagli occhi di fucina,
nutrito di fiamma
e d’ olî minerali,
avido d’orizzonti e di prede siderali...
io scateno il tuo cuore che tonfa
diabolicamente,
scateno i tuoi giganteschi pneumatici,
per la danza che tu sai danzare
via per le bianche strade di tutto il mondo!...
Lasciatemi divertire Canzonetta
di Aldo Palazzeschi
Tri tri tri,
fru fru fru,
uhi uhi uhi,
ihu ihu ihu.
Il poeta si diverte,
pazzamente,
smisuratamente.
Non lo state a insolentire,
lasciatelo divertire
poveretto,
queste piccole corbellerie
sono il suo diletto.
Cucù rurù,
rurù cucù,
cuccuccurucú!
Cosa sono queste indecenze?
Queste strofe bisbetiche?
Licenze, licenze,
licenze poetiche.
Sono la mia passione.
La petite promenade du poète
di Dino Campana
Me ne vado per le strade
Strette oscure e misteriose:
Vedo dietro le vetrate
Affacciarsi Gemme e Rose.
Dalle scale misteriose
C’è chi scende brancolando:
Dietro i vetri rilucenti
Stan le ciane commentando…
La stradina è solitaria:
Non c’è un cane: qualche stella
Nella notte sopra i tetti:
E la notte mi par bella.
E cammino poveretto
Nella notte fantasiosa,
Pur mi sento nella bocca
La saliva disgustosa.
Via dal tanfo
Via dal tanfo e per le strade
E cammina e via cammina,
Già le case son piú rade.
Trovo l’erba: mi ci stendo
A conciarmi come un cane:
Da lontano un ubriaco
Canta amore alle persiane.
Year 12
Purgatorio – Canto XXXI
Versi 124 -145
di Dante Alighieri
Pensa, lettor, s’io mi maravigliava,
quando vedea la cosa in sé star queta,
e ne l’idolo suo si trasmutava. 126
Mentre che piena di stupore e lieta
l’anima mia gustava di quel cibo che, saziando
di sé, di sé asseta, 129
sé dimostrando di più alto tribo ne li atti, l’altre
tre si fero avanti, danzando al loro angelico
caribo. 132
“Volgi, Beatrice, volgi li occhi santi”,
era la sua canzone, “al tuo fedele
che, per vederti, ha mossi passi tanti! 135
Per grazia fa noi grazia che disvele
a lui la bocca tua, sì che discerna
la seconda bellezza che tu cele”. 138
O isplendor di viva luce eterna,
chi palido si fece sotto l’ombra
sì di Parnaso, o bevve in sua cisterna,141 che
non paresse aver la mente ingombra, tentando
a render te qual tu paresti
là dove armonizzando il ciel t’adombra,
quando ne l’aere aperto ti solvesti? 145
Estiva
di Vincenzo Cardarelli
Distesa estate,
stagione dei densi climi,
dei grandi mattini
dell’albe senza rumore-.
Dante Alighieri Society - Melbourne Branch - Agosto 2015
Ci si risveglia come in un acquariodei giorni identici, astrali,
stagione la meno dolente
d’oscuramenti e di crisi,
felicità degli spazi,.
nessuna promessa terrena
può dare pace al mio cuore
quanto la certezza di sole
che dal tuo cielo trabocca,
stagione estrema, che cadi
prostrata in riposi enormi,
dai oro ai piú vasti sogni,
stagione che porti la luce
a distendere il tempo
di là dai confini del giorno,
e sembri mettere a volte
nell’ordine che procede
qualche cadenza dell’indugio eterno.
Orlando Furioso
di Ludovico Ariosto
5
Orlando, che gran tempo inamorato
fu de la bella Angelica, e per lei
in India, in Media, in Tartaria lasciato
avea infiniti et immortal trofei,
in Ponente con essa era tornato,
dove sotto i gran monti Pirenei,
con la gente di Francia e de Lamagna
re Carlo era attendato alla campagna, 6
per far al re Marsilio e al re Agramante
battersi ancor del folle ardir la guancia,
d’aver condotto, l’un, d’Africa quante
genti erano atte a portar spada e lancia;
l’altro, d’aver spinta la Spagna inante
a destruzion del bel regno di Francia.
E così Orlando arrivò quivi a punto:
ma tosto si pentí d’esservi giunto; 7
che vi fu tolta la sua donna poi:
ecco il giudicio uman come spesso erra!
Stagioni di cortili
di Luciano Folgore
Interni ammobigliati dai primi tepori,
cortiletti con erba che spunta
da pietre sconnesse,
balconi di malvarose, d’adolescenti
in grembiule,
finestre che non possono vedere la strada
consolate da qualche vaso di basilico.
Una foglia venuta dai campi,
un pezzo di carta stampata
giunto
dal mondo circolare dei tram e dei lussi,
la farfalla spinta nell’ignoto
da un odore di polline nuovo.
Le vecchie dimenticate dal tempo
sulle seggiole spagliate,
i cani impigriti da un senso di benessere,
le donne incinte sedute
sullo scalino di pietra,
a sentire la maternità
che le veste lentamente di delicatezza.
9
Primary Schools Poster Competition - Samples of 800 interpretations of fairytales, fables and myths.
10
Dante Alighieri Society - Melbourne Branch - Agosto 2015
Poetry Recitation Competition - 1st - 5th June, and 15th - 18th June.
Daily organisers Imogen Lazarus and Laura Campanaro with hard-working ushers
and students from the universities of Melbourne, Monash and La Trobe.
Students arrived from Traralgon, Shepparton, Dandenong, Melton, Epping, Echuca,
Malvern and Moe to participate in the competition.
Dante Alighieri Society - Melbourne Branch - Agosto 2015
11
Fellowship awarded to Archimede Fusillo
In late August and September of 2014, the Fellow, Archimede Fusillo
travelled to various regions of Italy, including Basilicata, Lazio, Tuscany
and Umbria, to seek out and interview people who had at one stage in
their lives migrated to Australia and subsequently returned permanently
to Italy - though not necessarily to their place of birth or origin.
In the course of this undertaking, Fusillo was astounded to discover that
none of the 35 people interviewed, most of them elderly now, had ever
been approached to tell their particular stories. Further, that there was
little if any anecdotal or primary source material on such persons to be
found in any of the museums visited in Italy during the period of the
Fellowship related to migration.
It was a humbling personal experience for the Fellow, Archimede Fusillo,
to be invited into the lives of these people and to be made cognisant
of their sacrifices, struggles and sometimes compelling journey from
exuberant and hopeful immigrant, to at times becoming a dislocated
outsider in their own native country.
Fusillo was deeply surprised by the lack of raw and primary material
on display in the various migration museums visited with any direct
reference to the Italian-Australian experience of this human phenomenon.
The stories gathered, the tacit implications in the voices telling those
stories, suggested to Fusillo that this was a research project already
challenged by the impending loss of the memories of those concerned.
It was also pertinent by the very real fact that these people were in the
twilight years of their lives.
He became acutely aware that this was for many the first and maybe
the last chance to express what migration had meant for them and the
fracture that migration brings to the individual, their families and in due
course their native and adopted countries.
Fusillo went to Italy with many anecdotal reasons explaining why Italians
had flocked back to Italy after various periods of time in Australia.
It is his genuine belief that scholars of migration, writers dealing with
migration and the generations of those born in Australia of Italian
heritage, would do well to take on board the actualities of the lives of the
returned Italian migrants. He is keen to see a greater cooperation between
museums of migration in Italy with their counterparts in Australia. This
cooperation would lead to a long-term view of gathering, collating
and preserving both raw material attributable to the influx of Italians
to Australia in the post-WWII period and of those who subsequently
returned to Italy for good.
Congratulations to writer and author of many books, Archimede
Fusillo, for having received the Fellowship and for pursuing a different
and challenging perspective of the Italian story of migration. It is both
emotionally gripping and authentic in its documentation. The Dante
Alighieri Society is happy to support Archimede Fusillo in a joint venture
with the Italian Historical Society for the promotion of his research.
A message of gratitude from the Fellow….
“I would like to sincerely thank Signor Volpe and Signor Antonelli at the
Italian Services Institute for sponsoring my International Specialised
Skills Institute Fellowship. I am indebted to the Institute for graciously
providing me the financial and practical support needed for me to
have taken the time to visit with Italians who had come out to Australia
post WW11, and then repatriated to Italy. Their stories were varied and
engrossing-and have convinced me more than ever that we have a
duty to collect these disparate voices before they are gone for good.
It was a privilege for me to gather what stories I could in the weeks
I had available. I am grateful too to Daniele Curto at Australia’s own
Segmento magazine for providing a vehicle through which I have been
able to bring these wonderful stories to a wider audience as vignettes
that appear in each issue. I must also acknowledge Danielle Gullacci
and her team at Italianicious for providing copy space in their elegant
12
publication for my reflections on the Fellowship. To Dr Baracchi at the
Italian Historical Society and the people at CoAsIt, my thanks too for
your ongoing support and encouragement.
It is my fervent hope that apart from the above, other avenues of follow
up to the Fellowship there will be the chance to present the details of
the Fellowship-that is, the visits with those wonderful returned Italiansand my impressions of the various Immigration Museums I visited, to
Italian teachers. The information and experience may prove invaluable
to their students in encouraging a greater awareness of-and discussion
about, the ‘many’ stories of Italian migration, including those of their
own families perhaps. My presentation may also provide a stimulus for
further research and gathering of information.” Archimede Fusillo
The magazine Segmento is available free from CoAsIt and Forza Italia in Carlton, and
from the publisher. Details on the magazine are available at their website.
N.E.A.
Nomit Educational Activities
Focus on: La
Cucina Italiana
After the success of their web-­‐
series, Italians Down Under decided to rest their cameras for a while and go back… to school! The cooking workshop is organised as a creative lab where participants will discover the fundamental principles of the Mediterranean Diet, Slow Movement and Italian gastronomy in a fun and original way. N.E.A. promotes the Italian language and culture in educational contexts. The aim is to share the knowledge, exploring present and historical issues, while updating them to overcome the stereotypes in a modern multicultural approach. We can organise: inside and outside school activities, one-­‐off workshops, performances and contribute after school and school holiday programs. N.E.A. is promoted by the NGO Nomit. For more information please contact us at [email protected] or call Francesca at 0423 579 447. Dante Alighieri Society - Melbourne Branch - Agosto 2015