Performativity and rivalry : characteristics of a celebrative event in the feasts of San Ġorġ and Santa Marija in Victoria, Gozo

Abstract

Rivalry is at the core of Victoria's social fabric. The existence of two lay factions - tal-Istilla and tal-Ljun - attached to the two parishes, one dedicated to San Ġorġ and the other to Santa Marija, ascertain contention between partisans, manifested especially in the celebration of the two feasts. This dissertation tackles rivalry in the two feasts from a theatrical perspective. It focuses on the performative aspect of the celebrative events. The feast becomes the stage where the protagonists are all those who participate in the celebration in one way or another. The types of participation in the feast are explored and different elements pertaining to the feasts are also examined, such as: spatial dynamics, the expression of rivalry, the collective feeling, and the emergence of the two factions or partiti. Other performative manifestations in Victoria belying rivalry beyond the feasts are also discussed. This dissertation tries to capture the meaning behind the theatrical expression of a community.