THE MULTI-FACETED MORESCA

The Italian Tradition of Pantomimic Ballet

EDC 2010 ANNUAL LECTURE

7.15 p.m.

Barbara Sparti will trace the origins of the 15th century Italian moresca in the revival of ancient Roman pantomime and will explore its presence in both spectacular court entertainments and those by popular urban companies in the streets of Rome, and its reappearance in 18th century Venice. Moresca meant sword dances as well as pantomime-ballet and was later synonymous with intermezzi and mattachins. The tradition of the Italian dancer-mimes, considered "inimitable" by John Weaver, continued through the "heroic pantomimic ballets" of the late 18th century and even into 19th century ballet.