Daniel Mauceri

Puppet maker

©Alexandre Dhordain

A fairy tale of papier-mâché

Daniel learnt the craft from his grandfather
Each of his puppets can endure 400 shows per year
His creations are sold all over the world

Daniel Mauceri reminisces – with a tear in his eye – about how his love for puppet making was born: “My story started in the 70s when my grandfather Alfredo Vaccaro and his brother Rosario, both skilled papier-mâché artists, got together to build the ‘pupi’, the traditional Sicilian puppets. On 5 July 1978, in Syracuse, they had their debut show. And it was a huge success.” His mother, Francesca, was the scriptwriter for the family business and the young Daniel grew up with pasta and puppets – as he puts it. When he was a child, he wasn’t allowed to touch the materials or the tools. So, he used to steal metal scraps, transforming his childhood bedroom into a small workshop. Eventually Alfredo gave in and taught his grandson a few things, however he sadly died when Daniel was only 13, so Daniel was left to learn the rest by himself. Over 25 years and 230 puppets later he’s still in love with this profession – his grandfather would be very proud.

Interview

©Alexandre Dhordain

What material do you use today for the ‘pupi’?: The armour is made out of metals such as copper, brass and nickel silver. For the faces I have developed a special papier-mâché technique – it consists of a mixture of paper and glue that can be carved as if it were wood. This allows the puppets’ faces to be much more expressive and resilient over time.
How has your work changed over the years?: The quality of the ‘pupi’ has improved in every respect, each one is made to be able to endure over 400 shows per year. I have taken up techniques that ancient puppeteers used for the armours, I have experimented with them and greatly improved on those employed by my grandfather.
Why is puppetry so popular in Sicily?: I think that this kind of theatre reflects the Sicilians’ feeling of belonging and their awareness of a common identity. Unfortunately, after World War II, this art was partly abandoned. Today there are only three different puppetry schools in Sicily: in Palermo, in Catania and in Syracuse.
How do you ensure that the family business will survive?: I represent the third generation of puppeteers in Syracuse and I’m teaching everything I know to my two daughters, who will be the fourth – if they wish! Their talent is already very promising.

Daniel Mauceri is a master artisan: he began his career in 1995 and he started teaching in 2011