1. The History of Commedia Dell’Arte Theatre 2/3/4

2. When? Commedia was first seen in the 1500s during the Italian Renaissance. However, its true dates and origins are a mystery. It began to die out around 1775.

4. Commedia was a form of drama developed to… Make people laugh, especially the common person. Commedia is the first example of public professional theatre in Italy. Previously theatre was only for the aristocracy. Commedia Troupes also traveled all over Europe, spreading its technique throughout France, England, Germany, Spain, et cetera.

5. Stock Characters… Stock characters are characters used and reused in many different pieces of the same genre. Commedia stock characters come in two forms: Exaggerated Straight

8. Exaggerated Characters! Pantalone Venetian merchant Rich and greedy Always outwitted by his servants (the Zanni) and is talked out of his money Generally middle-aged or elderly Costume: Red vest and long coat. He wore knickers- pants. Mask has a large nose and pointy beard.

13. Continued… Harlequin or Arlecchino Servant of the old men (like Pantalone, Il Capitano, et cetera) Outwits the arrogant and greedy people he meets. Smart! Considered the most popular Commedia character after the mid-17 th century. Wore a wooden knife called a “slapstick” Costume: multi-colored patched costume (diamond shaped patches). Shaven head with black hat.

18. Continued… Zanni The generalized term for the witty servant characters. Harlequin Pedrolino Scapino Trivellion Pulcinello

20. Continued… Il Capitano Arrogant Spanish captain who is afraid of his own shadow Often boasts of his great prowess in love and battle, only to be completely discredited in both. The sword, cape, and feathered headdress were the standards of his costume.

26. Straight Characters! Diamantina (Innamorata) A lustful beauty that is very flirtatious Isabella (Innamorata) The naïve and beautiful lover Young and flowery Flavio (Innamorato) The male version of the lover Flowery and romantic Amarosi Generalized term for the two lovers.

30. More on Commedia… For costume, the exaggerated characters wore character specific clothing. The straight characters wore fashionable clothing of the day. In order to create exaggerated-looking characters, Commedia actors would wear masks.

31. Continued… The scripts of Commedia plays are called scenarios. The actual dialogue and movement in the plays is improvised. The scripts were created by the entire ensemble. Does Commedia Dell’Arte still exist today? YES

33. Questions to ponder… Commedia set the way for what modern examples of improvise comedy? Where do we still see examples of Commedia masks? Who was the targeted audience of Commedia Dell’Arte? Why did the stock characters wear masks and specified clothing?