History
Where did it originate?
Italy
What are the stock characters names?
il capitano, il dottore, pantolone, isabella, flavio, arlecchino and columbina
where did they perform?
in outdoor marketplaces
What are the comic routines called?
Lazzi
What was the lovers main prop?
fans, capes
What year did it become popular?
1550 to 1750
How many stock characters are there?
7
What are ‘lazzi’ in Commedia dell'Arte, and how are they used in performance?
‘Lazzi’ are stock comedic bits or gags that actors use in performances to entertain the audience, often unrelated to the plot. They showcase the actor's physical skill and are used to break tension, add humor, and engage the audience in playful, spontaneous moments.
What is a ‘zanni,’ and what role does it play in Commedia dell'Arte?
Zanni refers to the servant characters, often comedic and mischievous, such as Arlecchino. They are usually involved in schemes, providing humor and helping to drive the plot with their antics.
What are the key elements of Arlecchino’s costume, and what do they symbolize?
Arlecchino, wears a suit covered in colorful patches or diamond patterns, symbolizing his poverty and resourcefulness. The costume is often tight-fitting to highlight his agility and physical comedy skills.
What did it develop from?
Magicians and quacks
What were the 3 types of characters?
The old men, The young lovers and the zanni
How does an actor convey emotions through gestures in Commedia dell'Arte?
Actors in Commedia dell'Arte use large, expressive gestures, often tied to each character's distinct personality traits. For example, Pantalone’s movements are hunched and tight to show his miserly nature, while Arlecchino’s movements are agile and playful, emphasizing his mischievousness.
What does ‘Commedia dell'Arte’ mean?
Commedia dell'Arte translates from Italian as “comedy of the profession” or “comedy of craft.” It refers to the professional, improvised theatrical tradition featuring stock characters and masks.
What is the significance of masks?
Masks in Commedia dell'Arte emphasize the exaggerated features of each character and allow the actors to adopt bold, stylized expressions and physicality. They highlight the stock characters' personalities and create an instantly recognizable figure for the audience.
what is some modern day influence from commedia del arte?
puppet shows, jugglers, acrobats, fire eaters and musicians
How is il capitano portrayed?
Il Capitano is a boastful and brash character who loves to tell tales of his supposed bravery and heroic deeds in war. However, he is actually a coward, and his bravado fades quickly when confronted with danger.
how did improvisation influence commedia del arte
Commedia dell'Arte is known for its improvisational style, with actors creating dialogue and actions on the spot within a loose script. This allowed actors to respond to the audience's reactions and keep performances fresh and lively.
What is ‘scenario’ in Commedia dell'Arte?
A scenario is a loose plot outline or storyline around which Commedia dell'Arte actors improvise their performance. It provides the basic structure without prescribing specific dialogue, allowing actors creative freedom.
How do costumes help define each character in Commedia dell'Arte?
Costumes in Commedia dell'Arte are exaggerated and distinct, designed to visually represent each character’s archetype and personality. For instance, Pantalone's red outfit and black cloak represent wealth and age, while Arlecchino’s patchwork suit reflects his playful and mischievous nature.
What is a modern show based of comedia del arte
Spongebob Squarepants
How does Commedia dell'Arte’s acting style differ from naturalistic acting?
Commedia dell'Arte’s acting is highly exaggerated and stylized. Instead of aiming for realism, actors use exaggerated gestures, expressions, and vocal inflections to clearly convey each character’s traits and emotions, making them larger-than-life.
What does the term ‘stock character’ mean, and how does it apply to Commedia dell'Arte?
A stock character is a stereotypical character with predictable traits and behaviors. In Commedia dell'Arte, characters like Pantalone, Il Capitano, and Arlecchino are stock characters with distinctive personalities and traits that audiences recognize instantly.
Why does Pantalone wear a red costume, and what does this signify?
Pantalone’s red costume represents wealth, status, and his miserly nature. His costume often includes a long, flowing coat and tight-fitting pants, emphasizing his age and frailty.