Daniel
Mauceri

Which place do you currently call home and where do you work on your projects?

I live in Syracuse and I carry out my work on the island of Ortigia.

Where’s your studio located & how does it look?

My workshop is located in the heart of Ortigia, the historic centre of Syracuse. Exactly in the Jewish quarter, among the scents of the sea and the echo of the voices of passers-by. An intimate place, suspended in time, where every object has a story to tell.

The walls are covered with puppets, sculpted heads, hanging armour, work tools and scraps of paper: a silent little theatre, where the ancient dialogues with the present. There is the smell of glue, of wood, of freshly beaten metal.

This is where my creatures take shape and where I often welcome visitors curious to discover how a Syracuse puppet is created. It is more than a workshop: it is a living space, constantly moving, where each day brings with it a new creative challenge.

Are there any projects that are personally important to you—whether recently completed or currently in progress?

One of the most significant projects in recent months has been the restoration of a puppet: it is Ideo Selvaggio, a 120 cm high puppet made in the 1940s by the Insanguine family. Bringing such a work back to life was a journey into memory, tradition and matter.

Another project close to my heart is a new theatre production, where puppet opera meets contemporary storytelling and live music.

Finally, I am passionate about workshops for adults and children, especially those where everyone has to build an entire puppet. They are moments of authentic exchange, where manual skills become a bridge between generations and puppetry a personal experience.

Do you have a favourite place in your area where you like to relax and linger?

Syracuse and especially Ortigia are bordered by the sea. I just stop and listen to the sound of the waves to find relaxation.

Are there any urgent political issues or problems in your region?

Certainly the main problem in my region (Sicily) lies in infrastructure. The connections between the cities are not sufficient and the few connections that exist are dilapidated.

In your opinion, what has developed well in the last 5 years—and what has not?

Certainly the city where I carry out my business (Syracuse) has had a notable increase in tourism in the last 5 years and a lot of work still needs to be done to make it ready to satisfy such a high number of tourists.

Do you know a hidden gem when it comes to local manufacturers—whether it’s arts and crafts, sustainable products or food?

The Campisi brand from Marzamemi comes to mind. A company founded in 1800, now in its 6th generation, which deals with the preservation of canned tuna.

Is there anything particularly innovative in your region? Also in comparison to other places you have already visited?

Of notable historical importance in addition to the beauty of the monuments and archaeological finds found in my city, are the classical performances at the Greek Theater of Syracuse held by the National Institute of Ancient Drama. (INDA)

Do you have a secret restaurant tip that you would like to share with us?

As far as I’m concerned, the best restaurant in my city is the Don Camillo, a stone’s throw from my laboratory. Gourmet cuisine that mixes tradition and innovation.

Do you know a hidden gem when it comes to local manufacturers—whether it’s arts and crafts, sustainable products or food?

Here, unfortunately, I have to respond in a less than modest way, saying that at the moment only I can offer something truly traditional and innovative but above all handmade. In my workshop it is possible to purchase the puppets created by me. Unique pieces that arise from hours of work according to the ancient techniques that have been handed down to me.

What are your 3 favourite apps that you use every day and couldn’t live without?

Facebook and Instagram to advertise my business. CupCat and Photoshop for editing content to insert on social channels.

Do you have any favourite newspapers or online magazines? And how do you keep up to date with politics or social and cultural issues?

Unfortunately I don’t have time to read, I dedicate the whole day to my work so I take information from online content, paying attention to the hundreds of fakes that circulate within it.

Imagine you could be mayor for a year—what would you change?

In recent years, kilometers of cycle paths have been created here in Syracuse which have taken away space for car parking, so I would focus attention on the creation of large parking areas.

One last question: If you could choose another place to live – regardless of financial or time constrains – which one would you choose?

In 2001 I was on a series of shows for a month in Spain. I fell in love with it and certainly if today I didn’t have children and my job I would have gone to live there. It must also be said that if it hadn’t been for my job, maybe I wouldn’t have experienced the same emotions in that period. 23 years have passed and I still hope to return to Spain as soon as possible.