Commedia

DellArte
 BRIEF OVERVIEW OF
COMMEDIA DELLARTE
Began in Italy around 1545
Means comedy of artists
Performed in markets and
carnivals
Actors wore masks; the bigger
the nose, the dumber the
character being played.
COMMEDIA DELLARTE
Seldom used scripts most
of their shows were improv
Used detailed scenarios and
improvised dialogue
700 scenarios survive today.
Plays were usually performed
outdoors in streets,
marketplaces, any open space.
 DETAILED SCENARIOS

Example Scenario

A servant is trying to enjoy

his lunch. However, his
boss demands something
of him every time he tries
to take a bite.
 STOCK
CHARACTERS
Stock Characters: a
character who displays the
same character traits in
many different productions.

The following slides go through

the different groups of stock
characters found in Commedia.
 THE VECCHIO
The old men
The annoying, strict adults.

They often are uptight and made fun of.

They stop the young people from getting together.

PANTALONE
Middle age and
really likes money.

Usually a powerful
character.
(a father/boss/etc.)
DOTTORE
Rich and a little dumb.

Usually a doctor or some

other type of important job.

The sidekick of the

Pantalone. These
characters can work
together or be enemies.
 CAPITANO
Thinks hes important and
a ladies man (but hes not).

Brags a lot.

A worker. Not rich.

Pretends to be very brave,

is really a huge coward.
 BRIGHELLA
Cunning and Dangerous

Was often seen plotting

evil things or brawling.
 ZANNI
The servants

They get the young people together.

HARLEQUIN
Servant
Very clever or very
clumsy

Plays around, pulls

pranks, and does a
lot of acrobatics.
FONTESCA/COLUM
BINA
Clever and Flirty

Shes the maid

and helper to the
young lady of the
show.

Ballet like.
INNAMORATI
Rich, nicely dressed

Over dramatic young people

in love.

Spoke in ridiculous love

poems.

Did not wear masks.