The art of the cantastorie (storytellers) in Sicily is a fascinating and unique tradition that tells the history and soul of the island through epic tales and painted posters. This oral and visual heritage has withstood the passage of time thanks to the passion of its interpreters, the cantastorie, who have educated and enchanted generations of Sicilians with their ‘cunti’ and performances.
Origins and history of the cantastorie in Sicily
Storytellers in Sicily have very ancient origins, dating back to the aedi of ancient Greece. These wandering poets narrated the heroic deeds of gods and heroes to entertain and pass on stories. During the Middle Ages, the role of the aedi was inherited by the jesters, who performed their shows in squares, markets and during religious festivals.
Over the centuries, Sicilian ballad-singers distinguished themselves for their ability to tell epic episodes, historical events and stories of everyday life in dialect. In the 17th century, their repertoire expanded to include tales of the paladins of France, episodes from the Bible and stories of saints, often promoted by the Church to spread moral teachings among the people. Their art was not limited to storytelling, but was accompanied by songs and musical instruments, such as the guitar or tambourine.
Posters: visual art at the service of storytelling
A distinctive element of Sicilian storytellers’ performances are the painted posters, which represent the visual focus of the narrative. These brightly coloured panels were often hand-painted by local artists and depicted the main scenes of the tale in sequence.
The panels served not only as a visual aid but also as a means of engaging the audience, drawing their attention and making the stories more comprehensible even to those who did not know Sicilian dialect. Every detail in the paintings had a precise meaning, and the storytellers used a wand to indicate the salient moments during the narration.
Today, many of these signs are preserved in museums or private collections, bearing witness to the creativity and artistry of this tradition.
The ‘cunti’: the oral art of the storytellers
The heart of the storyteller tradition lies in the ‘cunti’, oral tales that mix epic stories, chronicles and popular legends. Each ‘cunto’ is characterised by a well-defined narrative structure, with a beginning, a development and an ending that often includes a moral.
The stories told range from the great universal themes, such as love, courage and justice, to episodes from everyday life or local events. Often, the storytellers were inspired by recent news events, turning them into compelling tales for their audience.
The language of the ‘cunti’ was simple but poetic, enriched by rhymes and rhythms that facilitated memorisation. This narrative style, combined with the mimicry and gestures of the storyteller, made their performances unique and engaging.
The figure of the storyteller today
Despite the decline of this tradition due to the advent of new forms of entertainment, there are still storytellers who are passionately dedicated to preserving this art. Among them is Sara Cappello, one of the few Sicilian women storytellers. An artist and researcher, Sara has dedicated herself to the rediscovery of traditional ‘cunti’, bringing them to the stage with the same authenticity as in the past.
Another important name is Luigi Di Pino, who combines music and storytelling to keep this tradition alive. Thanks to these artists, the art of the cantastorie (storytellers) continues to find a place in festivals, theatres and cultural events, arousing the interest of new generations.
The cultural role of the cantastorie in Sicily
Sicilian storytellers played a fundamental role in the island’s society, acting as popular chroniclers and community spokesmen. By telling stories that combined local and universal themes, they managed to entertain, educate and unite people of all ages and social classes.
Their ability to adapt to changes in society was crucial to the survival of this tradition. For example, during the 19th century, storytellers began to include political and social themes in their tales, becoming a means of protest and denunciation.
Today, the cantastorie (storytellers) continue to represent a symbol of Sicilian culture, witnesses of a tradition that is renewed without losing its authenticity.
The preservation of the art of the cantastorie
In recent years, various initiatives have been undertaken to preserve and enhance the art of storytelling. Festivals such as the ‘Festival Internazionale dei Cantastorie’ and storytelling workshops aim to keep this tradition alive, also involving young people.
In addition, the digitisation of ancient recordings and the creation of multimedia archives help to ensure that this art form is not forgotten.
The valorisation of the posters, which are displayed in museums and exhibitions, makes it possible to appreciate the visual and artistic side of this tradition. It is crucial that the public and institutions continue to support these initiatives, in order to pass on such a rich and significant cultural heritage to future generations.
Conclusion
The art of storytelling in Sicily is a precious legacy, which tells the history and identity of the island through the ‘cunti’ and the posters. This tradition, carried on with passion by artists such as Sara Cappello, lives on, adapting to the times without losing its charm and authenticity.
Promoting and preserving the art of storytellers is essential to keep alive the link with the island’s cultural roots, offering new generations the chance to discover and love this unique form of storytelling.