Download Commedia Dell`arte

The Masks
Arlecchino
Brighella
Pantalone
Smerdaldina Truffaldino
Origins
 form of theatre that began in Italy in
the 14th century but peaked in the
16th and 17th century characterized
by masked "types", the advent of the
actress and improvised performances
based on sketches or scenarios.
• performers played on outside,
temporary stages, and relied on
various props (robbe) in place of
extensive scenery. The better
troupes were patronized by nobility,
and during carnival period might be
funded by the various towns or
cities, in which they played
Key to the success of the commedia was
the ability of the performers to travel to
achieve fame and financial success. The
most successful troupes performed before
kings and nobility allowing individual
actors, such as Isabella Andreini and
Dionisio Martinelli, to become well-known.
• characters of the commedia
usually represent foolish old
men, devious servants, or
military officers full of false
bravado.
• The first date certainly associated with an Italian
commedia dell’arte troupe is 1545. The most
famous early company was the Gelosi, headed
by Francesco Andreini and his wife, Isabella; the
Gelosi performed from 1568 to 1604. Of the
same period were the Desiosi, formed in 1595,
to which Tristano Martinelli (c. 1557–1630), the
famous Arlecchino, belonged; the Comici
Confidènti, active from 1574 to 1621; and the
Uniti, under Drusiano Martinelli and his wife,
Angelica, a company first mentioned in 1574.
Purpose of the form
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As a form of theatrical presentation (comedy)
For the form of entertainment (slapstick
humor)
Make a living by entertaining people from
town to town
To bring glory and pay respect to Kings