Sicilian Culture: News: The Legend of La Befana, The Italian Christmas Witch

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The Legend of La Befana, The Italian Christmas Witch
The children's musical play, The Legend of La Befana, is available again this year to celebrate Italian tradition and culture during the Christmas holidays.
This delightful show recreates the story of the good Italian Christmas Witch who visits children on the eve of the Epiphany and leaves presents for good children but coal, stones and ashes for naughty ones.
Emelise plays the role of Strega of the New Millenium who narrates the plot, as other colorful characters from the legend come to life: La Befana, herself, played by Karen Arkin; musicians Barry Mitterhoff (mandolin), Joe Selly (guitar); while keyboardist Tom Arkin doubles as the Potter and the Prophet; and assorted other characters: Babbo Natale (Santa Claus), the Three Kings, their Camel, Shepherds, a Sailor, an Elfin Helper.
The company sings Christmas songs in both English and Italian, and leads the children in singing but adults are equally entertained and informed by the show. Written by Emelise Aleandri, The Legend of La Befana, a production of Frizzi & Lazzi the Olde Time Italian-American Music & Theatre Company, will have several performances in the tristate area, among them repeat shows for the Italian-American Women's Center of Long Island and the Tiro a Segno Organization in New York City.
The Frizzi & Lazzi website (www.frizzilazzi.com) shows colorful pictures from last year's production.
Organizations interested in further information about hosting a performance for their children may contact Dr. Aleandri at 212 769 8920 or online at Ealeandri@aol.com.
SYNOPSIS OF THE LEGEND:
Many variations on the ancient legend of La Befana have come down to us by tradition and folklore but the common thread to the story is this: on the Eve of the Feast of the Epiphany, January 6, Twelfth Night, the night of magic when all things can happen, the Magi, three Kings from the East, follow a bright star in search of a newborn infant king.
They come upon La Befana as she sweeps her house and ask for directions. The Kings invite her to go with them but she explains that she is too busy cleaning her house and cannot go. They leave without her but she later has misgivings and embarks on a journey in search of the child.
She never finds him but wherever she does find children, she leaves a gift just in case that one is the newborn king, the Neonato. And she has been doing this on Epiphany eve for centuries.

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