Renaissance Theatre

The Rebirth Renaissance meant “rebirth.” Thus this era in theatre was when theatre once again returned to the public for entertainment. Began in Italy and then spread throughout Europe and into Spain. Eventually would reach England last.

Social Class The upper class enjoyed elaborately staged performances. Many new staging techniques originated in the Renaissance Italy. These elaborate productions eventually became the operas that we know today. The lower and middle class enjoyed a type of theatre called Commedia dell’ Arte. These productions included stock characters that were easily recognized in each show.

New Developments Since theatre was moved back indoors, there was a need to develop new lighting techniques. Lights were made to focus with different shapes to the light holders. Generally still candle light, but later oil lamps became common. Also larger scale lighting like chandeliers were used. Scene design became 3 dimensional. These elaborate sets were usually used in the operas at the time, but are now common for all levels of theatrical productions. The development of a raked stage (wedge shape) helped facilitate this. The shape of the stage was now defined by a frame or arch. This is called the proscenium and represents a picture frame to view the show through. This allowed the scenery to be hidden and changed between scenes so that it was a surprise to the audience when revealed.

New Developments Technicians developed many new mechanical devices to help with special effects during the Renaissance. – There was a fly system developed to raise scenery above the stage and lower it for the necessary scenes. The curtains originally “flew” up and down as well (many still do). Eventually we have learned to fly people and props too! – The pulley system we are still familiar with today was the main basis for these new systems.

Commedia dell’ Arte Generally the same “type” of story repeated with different scenarios. Spoofed the upper class and focused on love. Used stock characters to be easily recognized by the audience in each show performed. Characters were costumed a specific way and many were masked with particular masks to make them very recognizable. The specific character name was less important than the type of character acting in the fashion he/she was “supposed to.”

Stock Characters We now call this type of recognizable characteristics in certain individual groups a stereotype. These are just some of the most commonly recognized characters. There are PLENTY more! Who were they? – Harlequin – Zanni – Pantalone – Dottore – Capitano – Inamorati – Columbina

Harlequin The Zanni are the servants. The harlequin (also known as Arlecchino) is the head of them all and generally is very mischievous. Harlequin wears a diamond patterned costume and a mask with a large rounded nose & an exaggerated comic expression.

Zanni A Zanni is a comic servant. Can be male or female and go by many individual names. Costumes were baggy and lowly looking. They were originally made of flour sacks. Masks were carnival-like. The longer the noses, the stupider they were.

Pantalone The pantalone is an old man who desires money and is scrooge-like. He also has the purpose of making it difficult for the lovers to get together. We get our word pants from this character. Costume is usually tight pants with a large cod piece (a big exaggerated cup over his “man parts”) to show his ability as a “ladies man” in his younger years. He is sometimes shown in very baggy pants instead. The mask has a long hooked nose, like a stork beak.

Il Dottore He is an old man. A doctor of academics. His purpose is to get in the way of the young Lovers. He generally spews nonsense and often mispronounces the panalone’s name for comic purpose. Costume is usually a large graduation style robe in black. The mask only covers the forehead and the nose, but is exaggerated. He is a massive figure in appearance, very large in height and in frame.

Capitano Formerly a captain in the military (maybe) he was either long since stripped of his title or he made it up. Very egotistical and usually in cahoots with Pantalone. Costume is a spoof on the military uniform. Mask has a long “crocodile” nose.

Inamorati The Lovers. The majority of the story revolves around these two young lovers trying to get together against the obstacles that are presented them by the other characters. Costumes are generally highly stylish for the time. These characters do not wear masks, but do wear heavy make-up.

Columbina She was one of the main Zanni along with Harlequin. She was the personal servant to the female lover. She was better dressed than most of the other servants because of her position. She is different from the lover in that she wears a white apron or mask. Her mask is like the other Zanni.

Playwrights Each country had their own big name playwrights that we still recognize today. – Italy: There are no specific lasting names – France: Moliere – Spain: Lope do Vega & Calderon – England (became the Elizabethan era when the Renaissance finally reached England): Christopher Marlowe & Ben Johnson, then William Shakespeare

The Link The Renaissance Era spanned several countries. The Renaissance brought the theatre of the past back from the churches and then pushed it forward into the theatre we know today.

Writing Assignment Write a comic story using the stock characters described in this power point for Commedia dell’ Arte. Must be at least one page. Characters should stay true to the descriptions in this presentation.

The End Turn in your assignment and work on your project preparations.