The Project Gutenberg eBook, A History of Pantomime, by R. J. Broadbent

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Title: A History of Pantomime

Author: R. J. Broadbent

Release Date: September 15, 2004 [eBook #13469]

Language: English

Character set encoding: ISO-646-US (US-ASCII)

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A HISTORY OF PANTOMIME

by

R. J. BROADBENT

Author of "STAGE WHISPERS," etc.

LONDON:

TO

WILLIAM WADE, ESQUIRE.

This book is dedicated as a small token of the
Author's esteem and regard.

R.J.B.

PREFACE.

One of the most important factors in the making of Theatrical History
has been that of Pantomime, yet in many of the published works dealing
with the History of the Stage it has, with the exception of a passing
reference here and there, been much neglected.

It is with a view of conveying to the reading public some little, and,
perhaps, new information about this ancient form of entertainment that I
am tempted to issue this History of Pantomime in the hope and belief
that it may not only prove interesting, but also instructive, to all
lovers of the Stage.

R.J.B.

Liverpool, December, 1901.

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER I.

Origin of Pantomime

CHAPTER II.

Origin of Tragedy and Comedy--Mythology--The meaning of
the word Pantomime--The origin of Harlequin, Columbine,
Clown, and Pantaloon--Grecian Mythology--Transformation
Scenes--The rise of Grecian Tragedy and Comedy--The
Satirical Drama

CHAPTER III.

The origin of the Indian Drama--Aryan Mythology--Clown
and Columbine--Origin of the Chinese Drama--Inception
of the Japanese Drama--The Siamese Drama--Dramatic
performances of the South Sea Islanders, Peruvians,
Aztecs, Zulus, and Fijis--The Egyptian Drama

CHAPTER IV.

"Dancing," _i.e._ Pantomime--Grecian Dancing and Pantomimic
Scenes--Aristotle--Homer--Dances common to
both Greeks and Romans

CHAPTER V.

Thespis--The Progress of Tragedy and Comedy--Aeschylus--The
Epopee--Homer--Sophocles--Euripides--Grecian
Mimes--The First Athenian Theatre--Scenery
and