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The Taming of the Shrew Sample paper (Write a general introduction) Although commedia dell'arte is a form of improvisational theatre, it’s zany stock characters, familiar plot lines, comic violence, and crowd‐pleasing comedy had a great influence on European playwrights. Shakespeare, in many of his plays, used several of commedia’s plot devices and established characters including: overprotective parents, lovers being kept apart, people in disguise, and clever but much abused servants. The director of The Taming of the Shrew took these story line similarities and decided to further drape his production with the trappings of commedia dell'arte, resulting in a very inventive, fast paced, and hilarious play. (Continue with the points and examples you want to make) Stock physical gags, known as the lazzi, can be seen throughout The Taming of the Shrew production. From the stylized entrance of Petruchio and his servants, to the movements repeated every time his dear departed father is mentioned, the play always relies on mannered gestures and exaggerated actions. Comic violence and complicated fight scenes are well choreographed particularly after the wedding: at one point in the fight, Petruchio takes two wedding guests by the head and somersaults down the stage with both of them ending up in overturned positions. At another moment, the lusty old man is picked up by the guests and used as a battering ram with his bad breath temporarily stunning Petrruchio. These rehearsed bits of violence and acrobatics would have been at home on any stage of a commedia dell'arte performance. To enhance the physical gags, a slapstick, a club‐like object composed of two wooden slats that make a slapping sound (commonly used in Commedia dell'arte), is occasionally employed. The slapstick is handled especially effectively in the scene with Petruchio beating his servants. This bit has servants flying left and right, with Petruchio and another servant knocking them about with the slapstick to exaggerate the comic violence. The routine finally ends with a servant accidently hitting Petruchio in the groin, causing him to speak in an unusually high voice. Although a man taking one in the lower regions is old shtick, it still works quite well as the climax of this uproarious scene. Other elements of Commedia such as costumes, masks, and music are also used to complete the look of The Taming of the Shrew. Costume colors are simple, using common white and reds to unite the entire theatrical troupe, letting the shape and cut of the clothes and hats define the specific character. Masks, traditionally worn by all characters in commedia dell'arte, are this time only used by background characters. This still helps set the atmosphere of the play and frees the main characters to use their facial expressions. Lastly, drums and cymbals are struck to enhance violence and physical gags while light classical music set the mood for romance and the closing song. (Write a closing) Overall, this presentation of The Taming of the Shrew effectively unites the Shakespearian text and elements of Italian commedia dell'arte. This production is a standout from other productions because of its style and over‐the‐top acrobatics and stage violence. The masks, costumes, and music all help create a unique theatrical experience.