CATANIA – The great Sicilian artists who make up this formidable comedy group are extraordinary: actors and writers Gino Astorina, Nuccio Morabito, and Luciano Messina.
This group is characterized by a natural sense of humor, not at all artificial, but pure in its style and language.
This is precisely the uniqueness of this fantastic trio, celebrating a professional partnership of nearly fifty years.
Their work is born, and continues to exist, out of pure passion and the pleasure of “doing what they love to do.” This is evident in the natural and welcoming way they welcome the audience, who are greeted by the artists themselves. This speaks volumes about the type of relationship the artists intend to have with the audience: no barriers, no distance, dictated by the fact that theater, by its very nature, creates a direct relationship between actor and audience. The latter will feel as if they were welcomed into the home of friends, who will let them sit in their living room and while they enjoy interacting with the artists, they will be able to enjoy some biscuits, sipping a good “zibibbo”.
In short…Everything is a Cabaret: the welcome, the tables, the soft lights, the cozy atmosphere, the fun, the laughter, the carefree attitude, and the “well-being” of being among friends.
Various topics are addressed: stealing to cover expenses, but perhaps it’s better not to do so; poor healthcare; personal and food intolerances; technology and its misuse; physical and mental well-being.
These are the key themes addressed, especially in the Monologue by Gino Astorina, who emphasizes the importance of mental health, achieved through a good laugh and a wonderful evening spent with good friends. Hence the need to free oneself from the superfluous, from burdensome people and bad habits. The goal is to feel good about oneself, allowing ourselves what makes us feel good, and if necessary,
to “tell the people who weigh us down” to go to hell. In a liberating and therapeutic tone, he reiterates that we should “send to hell” anyone who disturbs our serenity. We should protect it by improving our habits, trying to free ourselves from our phobias or “intolerances” (physical and food), and returning to simple things and old habits.
A lighthearted “philosophizing,” filtered through a local vernacular, made fun by unique gestures and a colorful, typically Catanian language.
A true Sicilian cannot help but discover “Gatto Blu” and make it a fun, immersive experience, a dive into lightheartedness and a wellness session for the mind, body, and heart. Laughter is medicine, and that of “Gatto Blu” is doubly effective.
The Catania-based theater company Gatto Blu was founded in 1976 by a group of childhood friends who, driven by a passion for art, founded a cabaret group. Their beginnings were in the Sala Harpago, where audiences often had to stand to watch the performances. Their performances have become a historic and enduring presence in Sicilian theater.
