The title, Commedia dell'arte in Italian translate to "Comedy of Art" or "Comedy of the profession". Commedia began in the Italian renaissance, this peculiar era of theatre had a long life in Italy, about four hundred years (from the fourteenth to the eighteenth century). These Lazzi skits were accessible to all social classes. Commedia had a range of interesting colourful characters that each had unique traits. This style of performing changed theatre because it was the first form of slapstick comedy and was mostly based on improvisation.
The style of Commedia dell’arte-
The style of performance for commedia dell'Arte was very sort of improvised, what made the actors special in a way was their imaginations and their ability to go with whatever. As for their language in performance they don't often speak with intelligence because they are dumb characters, more of the acts are visual and not oral.
The style of performance for commedia dell'Arte was very sort of improvised, what made the actors special in a way was their imaginations and their ability to go with whatever. As for their language in performance they don't often speak with intelligence because they are dumb characters, more of the acts are visual and not oral.
Props And Costumes-
To entertain the audience they used props such as a slap stick was common but they often had different props for different scenarios for example stilts of rocks. Costumes used were often skin tight pants with old fashioned frilly edged tops.
Masks-
Every different Commedia character has a different mask, The Commedia masks have the exaggerated the strong features that make room for all the grand human emotions. Flexible rubber masks are ideal for the fast-paced fun that the Commedia dell' Arte inspires.
Every different Commedia character has a different mask, The Commedia masks have the exaggerated the strong features that make room for all the grand human emotions. Flexible rubber masks are ideal for the fast-paced fun that the Commedia dell' Arte inspires.
Characters-
The commedia dell’arte characters are divided into two classes, servents (Zani) and masters. Some of the most common Commedia characters include...
Dottore: Dottore is the doctor, he is known for talking complete gibberish. Basically he doesn’t know what he’s talking about, he often makes up ad diagnosis for his patients. He can be the father of Isabella. Dottore’s physicality includes walking in fast little steps, feet pointed outward, stomach bloated and sticking out, head up and two hands rested on his jacket collar or suspenders. He is a master.
Pantalone: Pantalone was a caricature of the Venetian merchant, rich and retired, mean and miserly, with a young wife or an adventurous daughter. He carries a coin purse around and protects it with his life. His physicality includeds waddling with a hunched back over his pouch, always looking suspicious and leading with his head.
Capitano: Capatano is the Captain, supposably he is a war hero. But it actuality he is a coward and always strays from any fight. His physicality includes his march like walk, he kicks his knees up high, straightens his back and marches with his head up and two hands resting on his sword.
The Innamorati: The innamorati, who are the lovers typically named Isabella and Lelio. These characters are very vain and very in love with the idea of love, they have the tendency to overreact and be a bit bipolar. Their physicality includes graceful swift movements with their arms and legs and their walk is almost a prance or fleet.
The commedia dell’arte characters are divided into two classes, servents (Zani) and masters. Some of the most common Commedia characters include...
Dottore: Dottore is the doctor, he is known for talking complete gibberish. Basically he doesn’t know what he’s talking about, he often makes up ad diagnosis for his patients. He can be the father of Isabella. Dottore’s physicality includes walking in fast little steps, feet pointed outward, stomach bloated and sticking out, head up and two hands rested on his jacket collar or suspenders. He is a master.
Pantalone: Pantalone was a caricature of the Venetian merchant, rich and retired, mean and miserly, with a young wife or an adventurous daughter. He carries a coin purse around and protects it with his life. His physicality includeds waddling with a hunched back over his pouch, always looking suspicious and leading with his head.
Capitano: Capatano is the Captain, supposably he is a war hero. But it actuality he is a coward and always strays from any fight. His physicality includes his march like walk, he kicks his knees up high, straightens his back and marches with his head up and two hands resting on his sword.
The Innamorati: The innamorati, who are the lovers typically named Isabella and Lelio. These characters are very vain and very in love with the idea of love, they have the tendency to overreact and be a bit bipolar. Their physicality includes graceful swift movements with their arms and legs and their walk is almost a prance or fleet.