Commedia dellarte Commedia dellarte Commedia dellarte is a

Commedia dell’arte

Commedia dell’arte • "Commedia dell'arte is a theatrical form characterized by improvised dialogue and a cast of colorful stock characters that emerged in northern Italy in the fifteenth century and rapidly gained popularity throughout Europe. " (Meagher).

Inquiry Question In your groups, provide as many response as you can to the following question: • What are the distinguishing characteristics associated with stock characters? How do they differ from stereotypical characters?

Key Concept • When Commedia dell Arte is mentioned, many may think that this is an outdated form of performance that is not relevant in today’s society. However, the history of Commeida and its proliferation is a rich and culturally diverse story. In this unit, you will work in groups to develop a power point that details the history of Commedia dell Arte. • Identity is the state or fact of being the same. It refers to the particular features which define individuals, groups, things, eras, places, symbols and styles. Identity can be observed, or it can be constructed, asserted, and shaped by external and internal influences.

Related Concepts • Boundaries and Interpretation Statement of inquiry: Through the exploration different cultural influences on roles and identities, students will explore how storytelling and character usage has been interpreted and used to express identity throughout history.

Global Context • Globalization and Sustainability Students will explore the interconnectedness of human-made communities; the opportunities provided by world-interconnectedness; the impact of decision-making on humankind; the commonality, diversity, and interconnectedness of humanity.

Ways to research your topic If it is a group that you are researching: • Define the influence of the group. • Define the qualities of the group. • What is the purpose they serve to the art form of commdia? • Any special skills associated or developed by the group?

Ways to research your topic If researching a character: • Their function in the art form. • What are their physical defining qualities? • What can their mask look like? (Provide multiple visual examples. ) • What are their character/personality traits?

Collaborative investigation • During this project you will be doing the following: • Researching Commedia in five groups. Each group is to provide visual research relevant to their topic of investigation and proper citations. • Group 1: What is Commedia? Origins/cultural influence and proliferation into other cultures and/or performance styles. Influence on visual art? Influence of performance art? Historically significant Commedia companies? • Group 2 and 3: Characters-Define the roles and relationships of each character listed on the Commedia tree • Group 4: Plots/Themes (Each group member is to summarize and state themes of 2 stories that could be used as the basis for a commedia performance. ) In addition, define and explain what a lazzi is and how it is seen in performance. • Group 5: Cultural impact and how Commedia can be seen in performance today (Each group member is to explore and explain at least two modern examples and/or influences commedia has on performance. )

• Each group will create a visual presentation (google doc) of their areas and include a works cited page of where you found your information. Each individual group member is to indicate what work they completed/contributed to the overall collaborative group presentation. • Remember good sources , sometimes, will provide this at the bottom of their page. • Each group member will select a Commedia character and create a mask of that character that can be used in performance.

Each group will also: • Create a Commedia warm up exercise that you will lead the class as a group. • Create a Commedia Scene for performance in which your group creates and incorporates an original lazzi. • Demonstrate, in context of your group’s scene performance, a Commedia stock character • FINAL: An Improvised Commedia Scene • Works Cited • Meagher, Jennifer. "Commedia dell'arte ". In Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2000. 25 Oct 2013. Web. http: //www. metmuseum. org/toah/hd/comm/hd_comm. htm.

The Rubric • Criterion A: Knowing and Understanding (Research demonstrates how the art form and its associated attributes have developed throughout its history. ) • Criterion B: Developing Skills (The story of the performance is based on a story appropriate for the art form, with beginning, middle, end a clear lazzi within the context of the performance. ) • Criterion C: Thinking Creatively (Performance demonstrates effective use of voice and body language to define character, enthusiasm, creative use of space, and a group led warm up. )