By Anthony Rifilato
While critics may argue about what some consider to be negative portrayals of Italians in the media, mainly on shows like "The Sopranos," not many hear about the contributions made by Italians other than Christopher Columbus.
Bob Spiotto, Hofstra University's artistic director and executive director of Hofstra Entertainment, said he is hoping to change that. On November 28, he will portray Giuseppe Garibaldi - known as a hero to both Italians and Italian-Americans who fought for the unification of Italy in the late 1800's - in a unique, one-man show at Hofstra's Monroe Lecture Center Theater.
"Garibaldi is known as the hero of two worlds, the unifier of Italy," Spiotto said. "His contributions cannot possibly be forgotten. It's impossible to think of Italy without thinking of Garibaldi."
The play, which chronicles Garibaldi's time in New York, is aptly titled "Garibaldi's Gotham," and infuses classic stories, poetry, music and images celebrating Garibaldi's contributions to both New York and Italy. Garibaldi was born in 1807 and was a political actor and military showman, Spiotto said.
Presented in conjunction with the 200th anniversary of Garibaldi's birth, Spiotto said he was inspired to focus on the legend's time in New York, as a revolutionary in exile and living on Staten Island with another famous Italian - Antonio Meucci.
"No one has done any kind of one-man show combining these elements trying to bring him to life," said Spiotto. "He's been referred to as a political showman, and had songs and plays written about him. There's no doubt that there is a theatrical quality about him."
Garibaldi led many of the military campaigns that brought about the formation of a unified Italy in the late 1800's, known as the Risorgimento. In 1843, he formed the Italian Legion, known for their red shirts, and fought for the liberation of Italy, divided among city-states at the time, from Austrian dominance.
When Rome fell during the revolutions of 1848, he fled Italy. He was sentenced to death in absentia, but fought famous battles in South America and France. In 1850, he came to New York. He resided in Staten Island with Meucci, which is now a museum dedicated to the two famous Italians. In 1861, at the outbreak of the American Civil War, Garibaldi volunteered his services to President Abraham Lincoln, and was invited to serve as a major general in the Union Army.
He returned to Italy during that time, and in 1860, he defeated a French garrison in Sicily and declared victory in the name of Victor Emmanuel II, whom he greeted as king, and the two eventually made their way to Naples.
He later took up arms against Austria-Hungary in 1866, and would lead a political party to gain control of Rome. Garibaldi died in 1882, and Spiotto said he is one of the most important figures in Italian-American history.
During the Columbus Day Parade last October, Spiotto said he dressed as Garibaldi and received a round of cheers and applause from those who shouted "Viva Garibaldi" as he marched.
"I received cheers from people who knew exactly who I was," Spiotto said. "This was a man, who, when he led, people followed. There is an iconic quality about him."
Bob Spiotto will perform "Garibaldi's Gotham," on Wednesday, Nov. 28 at Hofstra at 8 p.m. For tickets and information, call the John Cranford Adams Playhouse at (516) 463-6644 or visit www.hofstra.edu/HofstraEntertainment.
Comments about this story? Arifilato@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 207.
