OCR Text |
Show ON PANTOMIME. 119 The French Pantomimes have adopted only a small number of gestures, of which the greater part is destitute of correct expression. Thus circumscribed in their means, their art cannot accomplish its due end, which is to represent to the eye a picturesque imitation of all things. In certain theatres, where Ballets have been intended as much to please the intellect as the sight, this art has made considerable progress ; and the number of gestures of art has much increased. The want of them was felt, their advantages were discovered, and success seems to have crowned the innovation. It is natural to the Italian to gesticulate; it is not surprising, therefore, if the mimes of Italy are superior to those of other countries ; or if Pantomime is there carried to so great a degree of perfection as to be capable of expressing perfectly all the passions, with every object sensible to the sight. They are, however, most materially assisted by the gestures acquired by art, which have greatly enlarged the sphere of their performances. Pantomime being incapable of producing any very striking effect, but when employed in expressing strong emotions, and objects easy of perception, the Italians have selected the most celebrated deeds of both history and fiction, the more deeply to fix the attention of the spectators ; their magnificent pictures are represented always vigorous, and sometimes sublime. This system excites great interest for the Ballet, and renders tire pantomimic department important; at the same time augmenting and varying the pleasure of the public. The Italian, endowed by nature with deep sensibility and a vivid imagination, is attached to powerful impressions, and prefers the stately and pathetic style to the comic or even the pleasing. He is willing to be amused by theatrical representation, but he had rather be affected; 8 * |