Emperor of the Moon — Nash Baroque and Dance Through Time — a pastiche of music, dance, pantomime and puppetry of the 17th and 18th century English stage.

Experience a pastiche of music, dance, pantomime and puppetry of the 17th and 18th century English stage. Nash Baroque Ensemble and Dance Through Time present their fourth collaboration, Emperor of the Moon transporting audiences to the vibrant musical theater world of ca. 1705 London; a time when scientific discoveries were shaking up long-held beliefs about the solar system and what it meant to be human. In this exciting and tumultuous time, a cast of commedia dell’arte characters fascinated with the movement of the planets embark on an unforgettable journey to the moon—an adventure tale told through rarely performed techniques of historical dance and pantomime about the redemptive powers of love in a world where madness and reason collide.

Music of the most famous composers for the stage in this period accompany original 18th-century dance choreographies, with a focus on English choreographer Mr. Isaac (b. 1643) and dancer Hester Santlow (1690-1773). Soprano Bethany Hill, and a period instrumental ensemble of flute, recorder, violin, cello, baroque guitar, and harpsichord perform the music of Henry Purcell, John Blow, John Eccles, and Gottfried Finger. 

Following their sold-out shows of Venetian-inspired spettacolo Pulcinella’s Dream at the 2023 San Francisco International Arts Festival, Nash Baroque Ensemble and Dance Through Time are joined by guest dancers from the New York Baroque Dance Company and Seattle Early Dance for an unforgettable trip to the Moon.