In 1939, the Gordigiano family is living in an Italian neighborhood in Oakland, California. The parents, Alessandro and Carolina, speak Italian, read Italian newspapers, and listen to Italian music. Their children, Betty and Pippo, are trying to figure out how they fit in; Betty by trying to be thoroughly American, and Pippo by being alternately a musician and a neighborhood troublemaker. As the U.S.A. gets drawn into WWII, the parents are required by law to give up their Italian ways, and the whole family finds themselves questioning their ideas of home. The music for Ciribiribin is mostly in the style of 1930’s and 40’s swing music, with influences from Italian opera and folk songs.
Other Works
New York:
Not My Heart's Desire
Endlessly Rocking
Antigone: A Fable Without Walls
Regional:
Siddhartha: The Bright Path
Bound for Glory
As You Like It (Hip Hop musical adaptation)
Magic Flute (adaptation)
Doña Quixote (adaptation)
New York:
Not My Heart's Desire
Endlessly Rocking
Antigone: A Fable Without Walls
Regional:
Siddhartha: The Bright Path
Bound for Glory
As You Like It (Hip Hop musical adaptation)
Magic Flute (adaptation)
Doña Quixote (adaptation)