This collection of essays aims to promote traditional theatrical forms belonging to the heritage of oral tradition, and in particular the performances focused on the encounter/clash between Moors and Christians. The book suggests an itinerary which starts with pantomimes and armed dances performed during certain calendrical festivals goes through the epic maggi of the Tuscan-Emilian tradition and storytellers, and ends with the Sicilian puppet theatre, the Opera dei pupi. During the festivals, the encounter/clash between Christians and Muslims takes place through a simple struggle with rhythmic, symmetrical and repeated movements, a dance or pantomime, as it happens in the battles of Sicilian puppets theatre, the Opera die pupi.
Written by: Antonio Pasqualino, Janne Vibaek , Gabriella D'Agostino, Sergio Bonanzinga, Ignazio E. Buttitta, Jo Ann Cavallo, Alessandro Napoli, Mauro Geraci.