Commedia Dell Arte What is Commedia DellArte Around

Commedia Dell’ Arte What is Commedia Dell’Arte? Around 1550, a new type of alternative theatre arose in Italy and drew its roots from the classical plays of ancient Greece and Rome. The works of Plautus and Terrence resurges with newfound popularity during the Italian Renaissance

What made Commedia Dell’Arte different? Incorporation of Masks Physically similar to mime Improvised scenes called “scenarios” Use of “Lazzi” Use of “Grammelot” Easy to Distinguish Stock Characters

Grammelot: A breed of gibberish that all the characters speak. Used mimicry and mime to convey the intent of what was being said so that anyone from anywhere could understand the story being told.

STOCK CHARACTERS The Elders The Lovers The Zanni

The Lovers The young lovers were “the plot” to most scenarios in Commedia Dell’Arte. The story revolved around getting them together against all odds. They were supposed to be beautiful and young looking and dressed in the latest fashion of the time. Innamorata - Often used a fan as a prop -Had very flowy movement based in ballet -Very sensitive and expressive of love Innamorato - Often used a handkerchief as a prop -Wore mascara -Heavily Made up with multiple beauty marks

The Elders in Commedia dell’Arte existed to prevent the Innamorati from being together. They function as the “obstacle” to b overcomein the plot. Capitano Pantalone Dottore

Pantalone This is the grumpy oldman who wants the young Innamorata to himself. He is miserly, irritable, and obsessed with money. Often Pantalone is represented as a businessman or merchant. He is paranoid in his belief that others are out to steal his fortume, but rarely is it the case. He is known for LAZZI examples: - Unable to perform task due to his bent back - - Farts at inopportune times.

Dottore This Elder is known as the bumbling professor. Often he is a blowhard idiot parading around as a well-learned man. Dottore can be a scientist, lawyer, physician, linguist, or any academic type. Often he isa father of one of the Innamorati. He leads with his belly into a room and is motivated by food. LAZZI examples: - Claims to know an ailment of another character but is obviously wrong. - -Accidentally takes his own medicine.

Capitano The “Braggart Soldier” He claims to be a war hero or captain in the army. He is incredibly handsome. He seems to be a brave man capable of giving the Innamorata all that she deserves in life, but he is a sham. He is actually a coward and a liar. Often he functions to be “demasked” by the plot and revealed who he truly is. His intentions are always self LAZZI examples: - Give a very detailed description of how he would defeat an enemy, then a very poor reason why he can’t do it right now. -Introduced himself often and has an unnecessarily long name, - Attempts to stop two other

The Zanni Also known as the “Crafty Servants, ” the Zanni seek to aid their masters, whomever they may be. They range from resourceful and witty to completely inept or selfish. The Zanni are the “movers” of the plot. Their actions either further the goals of the Innamorati or hinder the Elders (even when trying to help). Brighella Columbina Arlecchino

Columbina She is the center of the ever -turning wheel. Observant, LAZZI examples: gossipy, and flirty, - -Uses her knowledge of her Columbina is the smartest master to finish his/her person in the scenario. She sentences, often to her works for the Innamorata. advantage. Often, she wears an outfit - -She arrives before her with a low-cut neckline, name is called. which she uses to toy her - -When things get crazy, her way into the social circles voice rises above the others of the other characters. to calm the frenzy.

Brighella He is the large, bold, and above all, head of the crafty servants. Brighella is the scheming henchman who only seeks to better himself. He serves as a minor villain to the plot, and he usually serves one of the Elders. He is a master of lies and LAZZI examples: - -He sells something to another character, which they already own. - -He blames anything bad that happens on a different character. - -He quickly makes up lies on the spot in any situation.

Arlecchino He is the fan favorite of Commedia, the bumbling sidekick himself. Arlecchino was often the servant of one of the Elders. LAZZI examples: When given a task, he is - Uses another character as sure to mess it up. If he a shield and sticks his head hatches a plan, it is sure to through the opening in their fail. arms or legs. Arlecchino moves in - -Likes to scream when sommersaults and slides, injured and continue all while holding a screaming until knocked out “slapstick” which he is or distracted. often on the abusing end of. - When given a prop, he