What are the key features of commedia dell arte?
What are the key features of commedia dell arte?
The commedia dell’arte was a form of popular theatre that emphasized ensemble acting; its improvisations were set in a firm framework of masks and stock situations, and its plots were frequently borrowed from the classical literary tradition of the commedia erudita, or literary drama.
Why did commedia dell’arte use masks?
A mask helps to create the beautiful, extravagant, repulsive and yet attractiveness of each character. Masks allow the actor to further explore the character. To the audience, the actor’s physical movements and embodiment of the stock characters help to establish their character and the mask enhances it.
What is a zanni in Commedia Dell arte?
zanni, plural zanni or zannis, stock servant character in the Italian improvisational theatre known as the commedia dell’arte. Zanni were valet buffoons, clowns, and knavish jacks-of-all-trades. All possessed common sense, intelligence, pride, and a love of practical jokes and intrigue.
What type of characters are in commedia dell arte?
Commedia dell’arte has four stock character groups:
- Zanni: servants, clowns; characters such as Arlecchino (also known as Harlequin), Brighella, Scapino, Pulcinella and Pedrolino.
- Vecchi: wealthy old men, masters; characters such as Pantalone and il Dottore.
What does pantalones mean in Italian?
pantaloni noun. trousers, pants, pantaloons, pantaloon, bag.
What does Gelosi stand for?
I Gelosi ( pronounced [i dʒeˈloːsi, -oːzi]; “the Zealous Ones”) was an Italian acting troupe that performed commedia dell’arte from 1569 to 1604. Their name stems form their motto: Virtù, fama ed honor ne fèr gelosi, long thought to mean “Virtue, fame and honour made us jealous”, or “We are jealous of attaining virtue, fame,…
What does compassia dei gelosi stand for?
Compagnia dei Gelosi, (Italian: “Company of Jealous Ones”), one of the earliest and most famous of the commedia dell’arte companies of 16th-century Italy.
When did the Gelosi become popular?
Formed in Milan c. 1568 under the leadership of Flaminio Scala, the Gelosi became highly popular throughout Italy. Their group was the first to be patronized by nobility, and in 1574 they were invited to perform before the visiting French king, Henry III, in Venice.
What happened to the Compagnia dei gelosi?
After her death in 1604 the company was dissolved. Francesco Andreini, Italian actor of commedia dell’arte who, with his wife, Isabella Andreini, was a founder and star performer of the Compagnia dei Gelosi, one of the earliest and most famous of commedia dell’arte troupes. Andreini began his career as a soldier but…
