Mention Pinocchio and most Americans immediately think of the 1940 blockbuster film by Walt Disney that introduced the feisty wooden puppet with the pointy nose to millions of children.
But the Disney film classic – despite winning two Academy Awards — bears little resemblance to the original book, The Adventures of Pinocchio – Story of a Puppet by Carlo Collodi – a fact that many who attended the opening of the new exhibit, Carissimo Pinocchio (Dearest Pinocchio), at Casa Italiana are sure to remember, thanks to the informative presentation given by language instructor Cecilia Strettoi.
More than 80 guests were on hand to hear Strettoi’s fascinating recounting not only of author Collodi and his original tale but of the tremendous impact the book has made on audiences since the late 1880s. In addition to Strettoi, also making remarks at the exhibit opening were Elisabetta Valentini, honorary consul of Italy in Seattle; Anna Veraldi, representative of the Comites San Francisco; and Martin Nigrelle, president of Casa Italiana. Rosa Folla with the Comites San Francisco was also in attendance.
Carissimo Pinocchio was created by ADI Design Museum Milano to celebrate the 140th anniversary of one of the world’s most beloved books. The exhibit premiered in Milan in November 2023 with illustrations and artistic objects created by well-known Italian designers and artists using the world’s most famous puppet as inspiration.
Giulio Iacchetti, exhibit curator, explains the underlying theme as a “different expression of the feelings and actions of so many Italian designers: an expanded, kaleidoscopic, surprising look, capable of presenting the story of Italian design’s ability to create timeless images and objects, thus celebrating the myth of Geppetto, the first Italian designer.”
The traveling version, with 22 objects, had its US premiere in San Francisco in the spring. Seattle is its second stop. The Seattle exhibit was made possible through the cooperation of the Consulate General of Italy in San Francisco, Honorary Consul of Italy in Seattle, Italian Cultural Institute of San Francisco, Comites San Francisco, and Casa Italiana.
Exhibit visitors will see diverse interpretations of Pinocchio on display. There are posters and illustrations as well as artistic re-imaginings of everyday objects, such as side tables, teapots, candle holders, and nutcrackers with Pinocchio likenesses. Some are whimsical, others are thought-provoking. The exhibit remains on display until August 15. Admission is free.
“The exhibit represents many important Italian designers and artists,” said Valentini. “Each piece is unique, created specifically for the exhibit, some in wood, some in glass, others are illustrations on paper. We are thrilled to have the exhibit here at Casa Italiana. It’s the first exhibit we are co-presenting with San Francisco, and we hope it will be the first of many joint projects undertaken here at the Italian Cultural Center.”
Carlo Collodi was the pen name of a young boy from Florence named Carlo Lorenzini. Born in 1826, he was the oldest of 10 children; only four made it to adulthood. Life was hard for the family and Collodi spent much of his childhood with relatives in the town of Collodi, about 45 miles west of Florence.
He tried a few different careers before settling on writing. He first entered the seminary but discovered that priesthood was not his calling. He worked for a time at a bookstore and then was a volunteer-soldier. In 1853, he founded a satirical newspaper where he wrote political essays and satire for adults.
By the time he reached his fifties, Collodi had become disenchanted with politics and turned his attention to writing for children. The Story of a Puppet first appeared in serial form in 1881 and was then published in its entirety in 1883. Despite its dark themes, it resonated with Italian audiences and then readers worldwide, becoming the first internationally known work of Italian children’s literature.
Pinocchio (Photo: Dale Smith)
Numerous international film adaptations have been based on the story of Pinocchio, including Italian director Matteo Garrone’s 2019 version starring Roberto Benigni and the 2022 animated version by Guillermo del Toro. And don’t forget music: singer Johnny Dorelli’s rendition of Lettera a Pinocchio, written in 1959 by Mario Panzeri, became a pop standard in Italy. The song’s opening line – “Carissimo Pinocchio” – was the inspiration for the exhibit title.
Casa Italiana/Italian Cultural Center opened in Burien three years ago to become the home of the Italian American community in the Pacific Northwest. The space features an Italian-language lending library, Casa Caffè, a small gift shop, and the office of the honorary consul of Italy in Seattle. Events are held regularly, everything from language classes and Scopa lessons to presentations on the history of immigration.
A large second-floor renovation is nearing completion, with a projected opening in the fall of 2024. The expanded space will include a meeting hall suitable for large banquets and events, a commercial kitchen, restrooms, and an elevator. Casa Italiana is currently seeking donations and the support of volunteers who are willing to contribute their time and talents to maintain this permanent physical space dedicated to embracing and renewing the joy and diversity of the soul and spirit of Italy. For more information, visit: https://casaitalianacc.org/donate/
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