The Moor's Pavane

Though subtitled "Variations on the theme of Othello", this dance is not intended as a choreographic version of Shakespeare's play. In the form of a pavane and other dances of the high Renaissance, the legend is told of the hapless Moor, his wrongfully suspected wife, the Moor's treacherous friend and his wife. The four characters portray the tragedy of Everyman, and the ballet is, therefore, timeless in its implications. This work has been cited by critics the world over as José Limón's "masterpiece.”

©1996, José Limón Dance Foundation, Inc. These performances of The Moor’s Pavane, a Limón^sm Dance, are presented by arrangement with the José Limón Dance Foundation, Inc. and has been produced in accordance with the Limón Style^sm and Limón Technique^sm service standards established by The José Limón Dance Foundation, Inc. Limón^sm, Limón Style^sm and Limón Technique^sm are trade and service marks of The José Limón Dance Foundation, Inc. (All rights reserved).

These performances of The Moor’s Pavane are part of the José Limón Dance Foundation’s 75th Anniversary Celebration.

*By arrangement with Boosey & Hawkes, Inc., o/b/o G. Ricordi & Co.. Bühnen- und Musikverlag GmbH.

First performed August 17,1949 at the Connecticut College American Dance Festival by the José Limón Dance Company

Choreography by José Limón

Music by Henry Purcell*

Staging & Direction by Kurt Douglas

Original Lighting by Tom Skelton

Lighting by John D. Hall