Commedia dell'Arte
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A hugely influential early form of improvised theatre, using a series of masked stock characters that now form the basis of comedy.
Commedia dell'Arte (literally translated is 'Comedy of the Craft') was the form that dominated theatre from the mid 16th to the 18th century in Europe. It evolved from street theatre, and began in Italy (Venice).
Professional Commedia companies were documented from 1545, consisting of skilled actors who portrayed a range of characters improvising their way through an agreed scenario.
The performances took place on an outdoor raised stage (called a banco), and traditionally were performed in front of a painted backdrop depicting houses, often with 2 or 3 entrances and an openable window at higher level.
Masked stock characters
-
Vecchi (Old Men)
- Pantalone
- Il Dottore (The Doctor)
- Il Capitano (The Captain)
-
Zanni (Servants / Clowns)
- Arlecchino (Harlequin)
- Brighella
- Columbina
- Pulcinella
-
Innamorati (Lovers)
- Unmasked characters with high status
Lazzi - physical sequence using slapstick humour and stunts