Ensemble Ciaramella
Purim Carnavale
Sunday, March 7, 2:30
A theatrical extravaganza based on the first Hebrew play,
A Comedy of Betrothal, by Leone de Sommi; Anna Levenstein, director
From the 15th century on, the Jewish community of Mantua produced Italian commedias for Carnival celebrations at the ducal court. Playwright and academician Leone de Sommi (1525--1590) wrote and produced many such plays, including the innovative Hebrew-language
A Comedy of Betrothal, a scripted comedy in five acts. Ensemble Ciaramella, modeled on the theatrical musical ensembles of the early 17th century, is joined by singers, actors, and dancers in periodcostume to present a theatrical production based on this important and entertaining work. With dialogue in English and songs in Hebrew, the production draws on commedia dell ’arte gesture and historical dance. Presented in conjunction with the Baker-Nord Center for the Humanities and the Samuel Rosenthal Center for Judaic Studies at Case Western Reserve University.
General admission $15CMA and Musart Society members, senior citizens, and students $8
special student rate at the door $5.