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1 ten xf them manipulate an entire
' cast of marionettes performing on the
stage below. It's o circus, with an
animal tamer, giratte with lockey
aboard, bright! y-decoroted elephant, '
and o bond in bock. ' ' j
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Artist files head of marionette in Rome workshop.
"IWIarionetteers must treat their puppets as if the were
III human beings they must be in love with them."
This is the feeling of members of the Vittorio Podrecco
"Piccoli" show, one of the world's best-known marionette
companies which has its workshop in an old convent at
the Piazza Anastasia in Rome, Italy. They build the
marionettes themselves of wood, plastic and other ma
terials. Some of them look like famed actors such as
Maurice Chevalier, Greta Garbo, Charlie Chaplin and.
Josephine Baker. Others are made to appear as people
of many eras and many countries. Or they represent ani
mals and fish. The show is a huge undertaking. When the
company goes on tour it often travels with as many as
1,000 marionettes. The average program includes bits of
traditional Italian folklore and opera. In the 40 and more
years it has been in business, the company has put on
some 20,000 performances in Italy and other countries
throughout the world.
The "Piccoli" marionettes are pictured here in
the making and before the footlights.
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Grinning marionette, hanging from ropes, is worked on in
shop. Heads and other parts are on shelves in back.
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Produce Vittono Podrecco intently watches dressing of one of his marionettes.
Women are kept busy sewing all kinds of garments.
'Half-dressed marionette is sprawled out on table.
Comedy scene involves accordionist, man up 'ampposf and magician.
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