Lovelace Jordan and Peng Hui-Wen
The Sicilian legend of “Teste di Moro” (literally Moor heads) speaks about love in all its forms, but also about violence and bullying, diversity, racism and repentance. It couldn’t be more relevant. Take yourself back to the eleventh century, during the Moor domination of Sicily, Italy. A young white girl falls in love with a Moor of humble origins. Because interracial love was forbidden, the lovers were punished and beheaded. To further shame them, the heads were displayed on the balcony of the girl’s house to remind everyone of the impurity of their love. The result had the opposite effect. As a sign of forgiveness and acceptance, Sicilians began to craft beautiful “Teste di Moro” vases and displayed them proudly on their balconies. This beautiful tradition continues to this day.
Mimmo Miccolis
(2018) WORLD PREMIERE – Milwaukee Ballet II at the Pabst Theater in Milwaukee for the Momentum (New Works).
- Concept and Choreography: Mimmo Miccolis Choreographer
- Original music: Francesco Germiniani
- Dancers – Milwaukee Ballet II : Julia Crosby, Diego Garcia-Castillo, Reina Miyata, Kristen Marshall, Julia Pareto, Matt Larson, Hunter Solomon and Isaac Allen.
“Mimmo Miccolis raised the house lights to connect our society with that of his story ballet, “(A)Mori.” It tells of the murder of an interracial couple in a Sicilian town, and of vases displayed there today to protest such hatred. With choreography of genuine originality, this touching piece honors love unbound by race and gender.” – JOHN SCHNEIDER on SHEPERD
(2019) WASHINGTON DC PREMIERE – The Washington Ballet/Trainees at THEARC in Washington DC.
- Dancers of The Washington Ballet/Trainees: Lovelace Jordan, Peng Hui-Wen, Forte Gianna, Mikus Trae, Konawalik Katelyn, Kiesel Joshua, Hall Emily, Garattoni Matteo, Lim Lope, Arentsen Liza, Rust Morgan, Paris-Morales Helga and Glouchkova Misha.
