Carnival and Power: Play and Politics in a Crown Colony (Transnational Theatre Histories)

This book shows how Carnival under British colonial rule became a locus of resistance as well as an exercise and affirmation of power. Carnival is both a space of theatricality and a site of politics, where the playful, participatory aspects are appropriated by countervailing forces seeking to influence, control, channel or redirect power. Focusing specifically on the Maltese islands, a tiny European archipelago situated at the heart of the Mediterranean, this work links the contrast between play and power to other Carnival realities across the world. It examines the question of power and identity in relation to different social classes and environments of Carnival play, from streets to ballrooms. It looks at satire and censorship, unbridled gaiety and controlled celebration. It describes the ways Carnival was appropriated as a power channel both by the British and their Maltese subjects, and ultimately how it was manipulated in the struggle for Malta’s independence. Preface Acknowledgements Abbreviations Contents List of Figures 1 Chapter 1: Perceptions of Colony and Carnival Cultural Transformation vs. Cultural Continuity Social Stratification and Power Power and Identity Book Outline 2 Chapter 2: Power and Its Historical Framework Micro and Macro Forces at Play Resistance and the Role of the Press Historical Background to Social and Political Conditions in Malta Social Boundaries and the Language Question Carnival, Power and Economic Concerns Maltese Political Representation 3 Chapter 3: Social Difference and Street Dynamics The First Carnivals Under British Rule: Control and Regulations Street Dynamics and Disguise: Paidean Play and Military Order Class Difference and Street Play Aural Landscapes in Carnival Visual Dynamics: The Playful Body Disguise and Transformation of the Poorer Classes Cross-Dressing The Wealthy Classes: Disguise and Behaviour Popular Play, Power and Tradition Pelting Pelted ‘Punchballs’ Other Carnival Practices Looking for Carnival Carnival’s Funeral The ‘Parata’ Moresque and the ‘Kummittiva’ Dance The ‘Kummittiva’ 4 Chapter 4: Fancy Dress, Rank and Dignity: Power and Play in Carnival Balls The Fashion of Private and Public Balls Social Positioning Between the British and the Maltese Upper Classes Rank and Rivalry: The British ‘Malta Union Club’ and the Maltese ‘Casino Maltese’ The Power of the Wealthy: The Ball at the Malta Chamber of Commerce The Carnival Ball at the Governor’s Palace: The Playing Out of ‘Politics’ and ‘The Political’ Dance and ‘Invented Tradition’ Costume and Theatricality Dress Codes and the ‘Disarticulation’ of Power Suspension of Palace Balls Public Balls: The Circulation of Power Balls at the Royal Opera House: ‘Agon’ and Social Behaviour Other Public Balls: Popular Access to Paid Entertainment Entrance Fees and Standards of Living After World War II: Play and Politics 5 Chapter 5: ‘The Sweet Satires That Prick Where It Is Needed...’: The Caricature of Power Satire: On Foot, on Floats and on Paper Social Satires Satires on Foreign Politics Satires on Politics and Policies Concerning Malta The Language Question Carnival Satires Abolished 6 Chapter 6: Raising the Levels of Street Carnivals: Competitions and Prizes Order vs. Spontaneity The Rise of the Organised Carnival in Valletta The Emergence of a Carnival Committee Competitions and Prizes New Efforts at Organisation Financial Costs of the Carnival Post-War Carnival Carnival in Gozo Paidia, Ludus, and Politics 7 Chapter 7: Carnival or Carnivals? Political Wrangles Between State, Church and Party ‘Games of Strategy’ The Political Protagonists Transforming the Spectacular into a Symbol of Power Carnival in February vs. Carnival in April: Conflicting Times of Celebration Parallel Carnivals: Official Carnival vs. Malta Labour Party Celebrations 8 Chapter 8: Politics vs. Religion and State: Beyond Carnival and the Carnivalesque May Day Carnival vs. St. Joseph the Worker: Politico-Religious Tug of War The September Celebrations: Battles of Symbols The Independence Celebrations: Performance and Counter-Performance as Play of Power Carnival as a Transnational Cultural Phenomenon Carnival as a Transnational Cultural Phenomenon A New Transcultural Beginning? Bibliography Newspapers Cited Official Documents The National Archives of the UK (TNA) National Archives Malta (NAM) Laws: National Statistics Office, Malta Books and Articles Websites British ‘Rose’ Complexion: Broadcasting: Carnival Floats: Charitable Institutions: Garibaldi: Lenci Dolls: Military: Music for Il-Maltija: Nobility of Malta (Gomerino): Police Force: Trams: Personal Communications Index The next great debut cookbook from Artisan: Matt Jennings, multiple James Beard Award-nominated chef and owner of Townsman, named best restaurant by USA Today, Esquire, and Food & Wine, publishes his first cookbook to shine a spotlight on the foods of his New England roots.