Hunter College High School - Argus Yearbook (New York, NY)

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Vittorio Podrecca by Beatrice Guarnier MUCH to its own surprise, sophisticated New York was de- lighted this winter with the marionette performances pre- sented by Mr. Vittorio Podrecca's troupe. I too, enjoyed these presentations and was fortunate enough to gain an interview with their famous producer. I went to the George M. Cohan Theatre. and the doorman led me behind the scenes. I was met on the stage by Mrs. Podrecca. who explained to her husband that I wanted an interview. Mr. Podrecca nodded his head rapidly. Come in, Signorinaf' said Mrs. Podrecca. Vittorio will take you into the ofIice. ' Bon giorno, Signorina. WOL1ld you be so kind as to follow me? We stepped across a dark stage littered with great boxes of puppets, and innumerable wires. As we came toward the oflfice, Mr. Podrecca greeted me again. You wish an interview? Eh. bene! I have just three min- utes. Today I am busy. Tomorrow I go to Washington. Sol Now I turn journalist? Mr. Podrecca gave me a kindly smile. He seemed to be just the type of person who could love puppets, In his cutaway coat and striped trousers and with a rather rotund waistline he appeared to be a doll, too, who didn't want to be dressed up. Ijlis face was oval, and the heavy horn-rimmed glasses he wore gave him a kindly far away expression. I perceived that Mr. Podrecca could not converse very rapidly with me in English so I invited him to speak in Italian. Ah, you understand the Italian? Sol You are my friend already. 'fWe must not waste time. What would you like to know? 'fWould you tell me a little of the history of the theatre? It was in Rome, when I was director of the Primavera , a forty-one

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I had settled myself, I took another look at my quick-tempered neighbor. The red spots were disappearing from her lined cheeks and her eyes, having ceased to snap, had actually taken on a more amiable look. Before I knew it, she was whispering something to me, her eyes by now, twinkling with amazing friendliness. HI am sorry I was rude, girl. I guess you'll have to forgive an old woman's hot temper. Very embarrassedly I murmured that it was all right. Then she took out a morning newspaper, and began to read the financial section avidly. I resumed my much disturbed Physics homework but in a few minutes the train arrived at my station, and I left my odd friend much absorbed in an article on 'AI'Iow to Plan Your Spring Garden . Aff .six forty

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magazine, that I one day thought of a theatre that would have a wide range in program. I spoke to friends who were interested, and we evolved the Teatro dei Piccolin. It was to be one of wide scope, yet small enough to be friendly. I soon devoted all my time to it. In the afternoon we gave children's performances. In the evening, we gave operas and dramatic pieces that held our aud- iences spellbound. Soon we were using material of the greatest writers and musicians. Our audiences experienced every emotion, so varied was our production. Our company of eight hundred became known, and we travelled. We have been in uncivilized Africa, and in the palaces of kings. 'AI Iow many are in your human company? We are twenty-four all together. We work with perfect harmony of song, gesture and music. A little story I tell often is this: Hln Monte Carlo, they were celebrating the birthday of the prince. Someone suggested that my puppets entertain. The prince was disgusted at the idea of such amusement. Someone finally won him over, and when he left our theatre, he was en- rapturedf' Tell me, do you like the New York audiences? - Ah! Qin Englishj They are divine! Do you understand the French? - Un peu, I replied. - Un peu. Ah! Elles sont magnifiques! Ravissantes! Piacevole! Bellissimo! Incredible! Amiable! He was becoming so excited that he was getting his lang- uages twisted. As I was a native New Yorker, my heart gave a bound. -- Gracie tanto, I said. - Ah, no fin Englishl. You think I say that because you are here? No, no! Of course a little persuasion was necessary. New York is sophisticated. I could not come and say, 'See, I have puppetsg it is a fine showg you should come.' No, that would not do. I must earn a living. I announce the Teatro dei Piccolin. forty-two