A History of Pantomime

A comprehensive survey traces the development of pantomime and related performative forms from ritualized mythic entertainments into classical Greek and Roman spectacle and onward through Asian, African, American, and Pacific traditions. It examines how song, dance, mime, masks, and transformation scenes combined with dialogue and choreography to shape theatrical practice, and it outlines the emergence of stock figures such as Harlequin, Columbine, the Clown, and Pantaloon. Chapters treat technical elements like scenery, dumb shows, and musical accompaniment, plus the role of medieval mystery plays, ecclesiastical censure, and the transition into masques, opera, ballet, and popular English stage conventions.