Basic Information
Who wrote the play?
Sophocles
Who is Creon?
Jocasta’s brother
What is the main conflict of the play?
Oedipus’s search for the truth about Laius’s murder
What does Oedipus promise to do?
Find and punish the killer
What is one major theme of the play?
Fate vs free will
What is Commedia dell’arte?
An early form of professional theatre in Europe from the 16th to the 18th century
What is unique about the lovers’ appearance?
They do not wear masks
How does Pantalone move?
Bent back, small stiff steps, leads with forehead
What is the purpose of lazzi?
To maintain comic energy in a performance
Where does the play take place?
Thebes
What happened to Laius?
He was murdered
What internal conflict does Oedipus face?
His desire for truth vs fear of the outcome
What does the oracle say must happen to end the plague?
The murderer of Laius must be found and punished
What is another theme?
The danger of pride (hubris)
What are stock characters?
Fixed character types used repeatedly
Who is Il Capitano?
A bragging soldier who is actually a coward
How does Il Capitano move?
Chest forward, large confident strides
What is the lazzi of hunger?
A character eats anything to show hunger
Who is the king of Thebes at the start of the play?
Oedipus
What is Oedipus known for before the play begins?
Solving the riddle of the Sphinx
What external conflict exists between Oedipus and Tiresias?
Truth vs denial
What key detail makes Oedipus suspicious of himself?
The story of Laius’s death at a crossroads
What does Oedipus’s downfall illustrate?
The consequences of his actions and fate
What is a canovaccio?
A scenario or outline of a play
Who is Arlecchino?
A mischievous servant character
How does Il Dottore move?
Weighted down, slow, walks in a figure 8
Why were lazzi reused?
They were reliable comedic bits
What problem is affecting Thebes?
A deadly plague
Who is Jocasta?
The queen of Thebes
What conflict develops between Oedipus and Creon?
Suspicion of betrayal
Why does Oedipus blind himself?
Out of guilt and shame
What is the tone of the ending?
Tragic and inevitable
What is grammelot?
A style of language using sounds, rhythm, and gestures
What is ironic about Il Dottore?
He appears intelligent but is not
How does posture reflect character?
It shows status and personality
What skills are needed to perform lazzi well?
Physical control, timing, and creativity
Who is Oedipus married to?
Jocasta
Who is Tiresias?
A blind prophet
What role does fate play in the conflict?
It is unavoidable and drives the outcome
What happens to Oedipus at the end?
He is exiled from Thebes
What does the shepherd reveal?
Oedipus’s true parentage
What are lazzi?
Stock comedic routines or gags
What group do Arlecchino and other servants belong to?
Zanni
Why is energy important in Commedia movement?
It keeps performances dynamic and engaging
Why is audience reaction important in lazzi?
Comedy depends on audience response