What is Commedia dell'Arte?

Commedia dellʼArte is a unique and stylised theatrical tradition that was born in Italy (Venice) in the 16th Century. Commedia dellʼArte is a combination of the following:

• stock characters (tipi fissi) • masks (maschere) • parody and satire • exaggerated and stylised movement • lazzi (comic business and visual gags) • improvisation • gibberish or grommelot *

In this form of theatre, actors would devise a performance by improvising the dialogue and action around a canovaccio or scenario. Commedia dellʼArte was innovative and ahead of its time for the 16th Century. For example the term, dellʼArte, loosely translates to ʻprofessionalʼ. This meant that Commedia troupes were profitable businesses and actors were recognised and respected as professionals. Commedia was also revolutionary for inventing the concept of the actress. It was the first theatre tradition that allowed and encouraged women to perform on stage, like pioneering actresses, Vincenza Armani and Isabella Andreini. Who became the first celebrity actors of the era! Social and political satire was a major element of Commedia. It was the foundation and inspiration for the stock characters and scenarios. Although Commedia is hundreds of years old the concept of satire is still current. Audiences are delighted by impersonations of character types that exist in our society, hence the popularity of brilliant modern day Commedia like, ʻKath and Kimʼ or ʻFamily Guyʼ or ʻThe Simpsonsʼ. The exaggerated, larger-than-life characters are similar to the exaggerated grotesque quality of the masks used in Commedia. The stock characters from the Commedia dellʼArte may have been re-invented in our modern day comedies but they are still easily identified and relevant. For example Pantalone (or Il Magnifico) is the archetypal rich, stingy old man. Here we can easily associate, Pantalone, with Mr Burns from ʻThe Simpsonsʼ. The masks in, Commedia can be inspired by animals or a natural element (fire, air, earth or water) that reflects the characterʼs traits or idiosyncrasies. The actor then embodies these qualities in their development of the character. For example, Arlecchinoʼs physicality and attitude reflect his mask, a cross between a cat and a monkey! * Grommelot 1 is a convention of Commedia dellʼArte that derives from the French word grommeler, which means to grumble or mumble. In Pantaloneʼs Inn, there are a few examples of grommelot. Il Dottore speaks his own version of the Latin language. Sometimes, by chance, he manages to get it right. Il Capitano (who is Flaviano pretending to be Spanish) speaks made-up Spanish by adding an ʻsʼ to the end of some recognisable Italian words. Thereʼs no need to get confused, this will all make sense when you see the show!

                                                                                                                     

• 1  Fava,  Antonio.,  2004.,  The  Comic  Mask  in  the  Commedia  dell’Arte:  Actor  Training  Improvisation  and  the  Poetics  of  Survival.,  Page  169.,  ArscomicaA.  

 

What are Lazzi? There are a few theories on the origins of the word Iazzi. It is commonly believed that the word lazzi comes from the Italian word lazzo meaning joke or jest. It could also be derived from the Italian word lazzarone, which translates to slacker or scoundrel. The word may have even come from laccio, which means a tied knot in Italian. Whatever the origins, most seem to agree that a lazzo (singular) or lazzi (plural) is a physical joke or gag performed by the actors on stage. Lazzi can be a bit of slapstick, comic business or a variety of comic routines. They can be rehearsed or improvised.

Types of Lazzi: Acrobatic: Lots of tumbling, cartwheeling and falling over. Comic Violence: Use of the batocio or the slapstick. The slapstick makes a loud smacking sound. No physical contact is made between the actors. Food: The Zanni will do anything to get food and will eat anything that looks like food! Word Play: Misunderstandings, miscommunications and incorrect repetition of instructions, phrases and words. Malapropisms: This is typical of Il Dottore, mixing up proverbs or sayings, or misuse of similar sounding words. For example, that famous line from the first episode of ʻKath & Kimʼ: 'I want to be effluent' as opposed to 'I want to be affluent'. Transformation of people: Characters may take the shape of inanimate object to disguise themselves or to hide from other characters.

Some Typical Lazzi: The Lazzi of the Fly: Here (usually a Zanni) attempts to catch a fly. They have trouble catching or killing it and they may need to take extreme measures to ensure it dies! The Zanni are always hungry, therefore, it would be perfectly justified for him to eat the fly in order to end the Lazzi. The Lazzi of the Laugh to the Cry: Here the character laughs so hard he begins to cry, and vice versa.

The Lazzi of the Flea: Here (usually a Zanni) struggles with an invisible flea in his clothing. He scratches himself all over and attempts to catch the flea. He twists his body into impossible positions as the flea travels all around his body.                

Who is Carlo Goldoni?

Carlo Goldoni is a famous Venetian playwright who was born in 1707 (18th Century). He is famous for reforming the traditional form of Commedia and for writing hundreds of plays (over 150). You may recognise or have heard of, The Servant of Two Masters or The Venetian Twins. Goldoni re-invented the stock characters and wrote scripts rather than scenarios for Commedia troupes. He tried to persuade actors to let him write dialogue for them, sometimes with not much success. The actors relied on improvisation and vulgar gags to get laughs. They knew that this couldnʼt be scripted otherwise it would be censored! Despite this, Goldoni was determined to write his own Commedie and did so by borrowing heavily from the tradition. His characters were inspired by the original stock characters but they were seemingly less crude and sometimes performed without masks. He still maintained the Venetian spirit by writing some of the characters (ie Pantalone and Arlecchino) in the regional dialect.

Commedia dell'ArteWord Search Activity

a e u a r a e l n y a d i s g u i s e s or c a l l e h g i r b e m s p s i s g i to a l l e n i c l u p p c h o s i n r e as r x e e o b l m t n o y r e g i a o o an l z b r l z a n n i s i r p d n l t s ao o p a m a s i v e i h v c n e e e e a ca g m s s t o c k c h a r a c t e r s e ri o g i e n i k a h n a t s v a a o q y ol l r r a a u l e t g s g c l i v l u d bd d a t r p t t o n r g r o m u o o e o ao o g a l h y t h e s i m p s o n s n r tt n e m e v o m d e t a r e g g a x e a it i r a c s t n t t l o b r i g t c s p co l t d c o u n t x v o o s b i i o y a sr r s t h s l e c i s m v o b n p l l e le s a t i r e o s s m i a e e t a t s a mt h l m n k s a m e t y o v r t c t z n xc c e a o r t i l b a o r o i s l z s o rm n n r v i m o s i i i r l s s i h e a no c i o o e t r d e b n s e h p y i h i ce s v n a l s u q o s l a p s t i c k n t

acrobaticsArlecchinoBrighellacanovaccioCarlo GoldoniColombinadisguises exaggerated movementgibberishgrommelotgrotesqueIl CapitanoIl DottoreimprovisationIsabellaItalyLa StregalazzimaskmastermimemisunderstandingsPantaloneparodyphysical theatrePulcinellasatirescenarioservantsixteenth centuryslapstickslavestock charactersThe LoversThe SimpsonsVeniceZanni

Stock Characters In Commedia dellʼArte there are usually four types of stock characters (or tipi fissi). Most of the characters are usually masked with the exception of The Lovers and the female servant Colombina.

Servants (I Servi)

• Zanni 1 • Zanni 2:

- Arlecchino - Brighella - Pulcinella - Colombina (Female)

The Old People (I Vecchi) • Il Dottore * • Pantalone • Pantalona

* There are lots of sub-characters for some of the stock characters, for example, Tartaglia is a Dottore type character. He is originally from Naples and he is a parody of a lawyer. He can be vicious and mean and he has a terrible stutter!

Il Capitano Some typical names for Il Capitano:

• Spaventa (fright) • Fracasso (smash) • Spezzaferro (break-sword)

Actors can make up their own names for Il Capitano. The longer, the sillier, the funnier!

The Lovers (Gli Innamorati) Some typical names for The Lovers:

• Isabella • Francesca • Beatrice • Federico • Ottavio • Fabrizio • Silvia / Silvio • Cinzio / Cinzia • Flavio / Flaviana

 

Some more characters… • La Strega: (The Witch) / Lo Strego (Warlock / Male Witch).

• La Bauta: A Non theatrical Venetian mask worn by all Venetians, rich and

poor. The mask had an extended or exaggerated mouth that formed a triangle shape. This also disguised the voice. The aristocracy and politicians wore this to hide their identity in order to move around Venice freely without being hassled. Rich women wore this to cover their jewels and to not draw attention to themselves.

• Dottore della Peste: A white long beak type mask worn by medics to protect themselves from the plague or other infectious diseases.

Stock Characters: A Summary Zanni 1

• Low status servant and usually the sidekick. • This mask is inspired by birds of prey (vultures, crows, owls etc). • He is motivated by food and is always hungry. • His natural element is ʻearthʼ as he is a peasant with a strong connection to

the land. Arlecchino

• Low status servant and court jester type. • This mask is inspired by a cat and a monkey and has a human nose. • He is lazy and hyperactive, ignorant but sly and manipulative. • He is motivated by food and is always hungry. • Colombina can be his love interest.

Brighella

• Low status servant and usually a ʻyes-manʼ. • The name comes from brigante (meaning brigand, thug or outlaw). • This mask and character is inspired by a dog and a chicken. • He is two-faced (contro maschera). He is loyal and obliging to the master

and aggressive and mean to others.

Pulcinella

• Originates from Naples. • The name comes from pulcino meaning baby chick. • The mask is inspired by a chicken and a rooster. • He is untrustworthy and a thief but can be charming and persuasive.

Colombina

• Female Zanni and an unmasked character. • She is a servant girl, but she is strong, clever and gets her own way! • Her stance is strong and assertive with hand firmly placed on hips.

Il Dottore

• High status character. • One of the old people (I vecchi). • He wears a half mask with a fat nose. • A parody of a University academic, originally from, Bologna. • A pompous know-all who doesnʼt really know anything! • Sometimes the father of one of The Lovers. • Answers questions like a politician.

Pantalone

• High status character. • One of the old people (I vecchi). • The mask is inspired by birds (vulture, turkey and crow). • A parody of a rich Venetian merchant. • Pantalone derives from the Venetian pianta-leone. • A cranky, rich but frugal old man. • Sometimes the father of one of The Lovers

The Lovers

• High status unmasked characters. • Often the children of the old people (I vecchi). • Their natural element is ʻairʼ and when in love have their ʻhead in the

cloudsʼ. • Their emotions are extreme, blissfully happy or completely depressed. • When moving around they usually lead from the heart.

Il Capitano

• High status character. • Originates from Spain and is a parody of a cowardly soldier. • He is boastful and a liar. • His natural element is ʻfireʼ, as he can be dangerous, wild and

unpredictable. • The mask looks mean and can often be red (to reflect fire).

Stock Characters: Descriptions The Servants (I Zanni o Lo Zanni) Zanni 1 This character is the lowest status of all the stock characters and the servants. This Zanni is the sidekick archetype. The name Zanni derives from the name Gianni or Giovanni, which literally translated from the Italian means, John. This was a common name for the poor peasants from the country towns in Northern Italy. These people would migrate to Venice in search of work, hoping to find a master (un padrone) that would employ them. The aristocrats of Venice dubbed migrants from these regions, Zanni, the name that results when the Venetian dialect or accent is added to Gianni. Zanni became a derogatory term that referred to all servants regardless of whether their name was Gianni or not! The mask for this character, similar to Pantalone and La Strega, in that it is inspired by birds of prey: hawks, vultures, crows and owls. This is fitting because the Zanni is like a vulture when it comes to eating. His primary motivation is food. Zanni 2 The following characters are also Zanni or servants. Even though their ancestors, like the Zanni 1, came from peasant origins, these Zanni have evolved a little from the scavenger type that is, Zanni 1:

• Arlecchino

• Brighella

• Pulcinella

• Colombina

Arlecchino Arlecchino is a combination of two animals: monkey (scimmia) and cat (gatto). His mask reflects the features of these animals and it heavily influences the characters physical movement, behaviour and psychology. Like many of the Commedia characters, Arlecchino is a creature of extremes. He can be lazy and lethargic, like a cat, and playful and energetic like a monkey. He isnʼt educated but this doesnʼt mean that he is stupid. In fact, Arlecchino is street smart, he can be sly and manipulative especially when he needs to get out of trouble or when the object of his desire is food! His costume is distinct and is easily recognisable by its multi-coloured diamond pattern. In some scenarios (canovacci), Arlecchino can be Colombinaʼs love interest. Brighella The name Brighella comes from the Italian word brigante meaning, brigand, bandit, thug or outlaw. His mask is sometimes olive green (or black) and is inspired by a dog (un cane). Brighella is what the Italians would call contro maschera, which means that he is two faced. For example, he will easily be charming and obliging to his masters, however, when the master is not around he has the potential to become vicious, violent and controlling with the other Zanni. Brighella is also highly-strung and anxious and his physical movements reflect this. He moves around nervously, as the knees come up to meet the elbows, a bit like a headless chicken flapping its wings! This anxiety is also probably the cause of an embarrassing stutter which Brighella has difficulty controlling. His costume consists of a white wide legged pant and a chefʼs jacket and hat. He may use a tea towel or batocio (slapstick) as a prop.

Pulcinella This Zanni originates from Naples. The name Pulcinella is derived from the word pulcino meaning chick and his mask reflects this with its large hooked nose. The mask, along with the characters hunchback and high pitched, chicken like voice, makes him look a bit like a rooster. Like the other characters Pulcinella is insatiably hungry and will do anything for food and money. His costume is white, a free flowing shirt over a pair of wide legged pants and a cap in the form of a truncated cone as depicted in Giovanni Tiepoloʼs painting, The Swing of Pulcinella.

Colombina This female Zanni does not wear a mask but her costume, headscarf and apron make her low servant status clear. Despite this she often disregards the boundaries between master and servant by speaking her mind! Colombina, in some scenarios can be Arlecchinoʼs love interest. She, like Arlecchino, can be sly, manipulative and street smart. Colombina uses her feminine attributes to get what she wants, for example, swinging her hips and showing a bit of cleavage, particularly to Pantalone! Her stance is strong and assertive with hands firmly placed on hips.

2. The Old People (I Vecchi): Pantalone A wealthy but frugal and licentious old man! Also known as Il Magnifico. The name Pantalone, derives from the Italian pianta-leone. The lion or Il leone is the symbol of Venice and piantare means ʻto make your markʼ. Pianta-leone evolved into what we now know as Pantalone. Pianta-leone was the term given to Venetian merchants who set up shops and businesses in foreign lands. Pantalone also imported and exported goods from around Europe and Asia and his costume, in particular his red Turkish slippers and hat, represent this. Pantalone also made his fortune by buying property and making people pay taxes and rent. Pantaloneʼs mask is inspired by birds (crows, vultures and turkeys). Psychologically, the character is like a bird of prey (or a vulture) when it comes to money (and sometimes women)! He can also walks like a stumpy crow, shuffling about awkwardly.

Il Dottore Il Dottore is a parody of a University academic who is originally from Bologna (the city to house the first University in Europe). A pompous know-all who is not necessarily intelligent. He has the gift of the gab and is his aim is to intimidate and patronise other characters with his big words and apparent knowledge. Il Dottore loves quoting things in Latin (and other languages), making up facts and responding to questions in a ridiculous manner that ultimately make no sense, similar to the responses a politician may give to a question! Physically, he has an A-line body shape, and carries weight in his stomach. He is generally lazy and doesnʼt move much with the exception of his mouth – and that doesnʼt stop! The mask he wears is a black half mask that covers the forehead (or the brain) and the nose is usually plump and large. His costume is a traditional black academic gown with a white collar and a wide brimmed medical hat (similar to Il Dottore della Peste).

3. Il Capitano Il Capitano is a parody of a Spanish militant or soldier. This character was devised by the Italian Commedia in response to the Spanish invasion of Northern Italy in the 16th Century. The Italians didnʼt care much for the Spanish and demonstrated this through this character. Il Capitano is narcissistic, vain, cowardly and often boasting about his conquests (on the battlefield and with women). Some common Capitano characters had the satirical names: Spaventa (fright); Fracasso (smash) and Spezzaferro (break-sword). His mask is usually red or maroon with red tones. This is symbolic of his natural element, which is fire. He is dangerous and unpredictable like fire. Il Capitano isn't dangerous because he knows how to use his sword, he is dangerous because he doesn't know how to use his sword! The original costume is a yellow and red (Spanish colours) striped jacket with puffy floral sleeves and a hat adorned with lots of plumage! 4. The Lovers The Lovers are aristocratic, high status characters that do not wear masks. They can have a heavy white powder on their faces and because of this they are sometimes referred to as lʼinfarinato (farina meaning flour). They are usually spoilt brats who are only concerned about their love life! Their natural element is air and when in love, metaphorically speaking, they have their head in the clouds. Their emotions are extreme and they can switch from being blissfully happy to completely depressed. They can make hasty dangerous decisions if their love is not requited! Physically, when moving they lead from the heart and float around. The Lovers are often the children of the old people (i vecchi). Their dilemma often stems from their fathers not allowing them to marry or insisting that they marry people who have been chosen for them and whom they do not love! Some common names for the lovers are: Isabella, Beatrice, Silvia or Silvio, Federico or Federica.

Other Characters: La Strega La Strega is otherwise known as the Witch. She is not a stock character but un personaggio di passagio, which means that she would pass through the Commedia, but not always be central to the action. La Strega would create spells to help characters in desperate situations. She could be cheeky, but was generally a good Witch. For example, La Strega, may help Pantalone by making a potion to render him more youthful. The Lovers may request love potions to cure unrequited love. La Strega also has the power to bring people back to life. The mask is inspired by birds, more specifically, owls. There is also a male version of this character that is called Lo Strego.

Commedia dellʼArte: Stock Characters 1. Write the name of the stock character in the box next to the correct image.

2. Draw a line to match the description to the character.

Zanni 1

This mask is inspired by a dog.

Arlecchino

This character stands strongly with hands on hips.

Brighella

This mask is inspired by a vulture, crow and a turkey!

Pulcinella

This characterʼs natural element is fire.

Colombina

This mask is inspired by a cat and monkey!

Il Dottore High status unmasked characters.

Pantalone

His natural element is earth.

The Lovers

He wears a half mask with a fat nose!

Il Capitano

His name means

baby chick

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

References Web  links:  

• www.theatrehistory.com/italian/commedia (The information on this site may be useful for secondary school students. There are no pictures)

• www.delpiano.com/carnivale (Roberto del Pianoʼs site is excellent. Good pictures and accurate detailed information. Good for primary and secondary)

• www.commedia-dell-arte.com (This site includes an interesting historical timeline)

• www.shane-arts.com/commedia (Good images and descriptions of characters)

• www.theatrelinks.com/commedia (Justinʼs Theatre Links) • www.isebastiani.com/scenarios (good scenarios you can download) • www.theater-masks.com/about_commedia_dell_arte (Good images of

non-leather masks) • www.piccolotheatre.com/commedia (good images on the process of

making a leather mask) • www.commediamask.com (great pictures of masks) • www.sindoca.it (Renzo Sindoca, Italian mask maker. Click on

ʻCreazioniʼ for images of excellent masks)  • www.commediamask.com (Good images of leather masks) • www.florentineaustralia.com.au (Good images of masks)  • www.commediabyfava.it  

 

Examples  of  contemporary  comedy  to  research:  • Monty Python

o Spam Sketch (example of word play lazzi) o Fish slapping (absurdist) o Dead Parrot (illogical lazzi)

YouTube  • Arlecchino Servitore di Due Padroni: Giorgio Strehler e Ferruccio

Soleri www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUUFSJ8wk-4 (This short 10 minute documentary is dubbed in English. There is an excellent explanation of Arlecchinoʼs mask and physicality by actor, Ferruccio Soleri).  

• Google Arlecchino Servitore di Due Padroni and watch other clips from Strehlerʼs production.  

• Eduardo De Filippo: Lezione di Pulcinella www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8xjYNfgjHU&feature=fvst (This short clip is in Italian and is very old but features famous Neopolitan actor, De Filippo, giving a lesson on how to wear the Pulcinella mask)  

• Dario Fo e il Grammelot con accento inglese – ʻLʼuomo e la technologiaʼ www.youtube.com/watch?v=8A4n9Ez9O8g  

• Dario Fo – La Fame dello Zanni  

www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCm9IApf1rA (This clip is very entertaining if you understand Italian and the Venetian dialect!)  

 

Books  • Bentley,  Eric.  Ed.,  1958.  The  Classic  Theatre,  Volume  1:  Six  Italian  Plays.  

New  York:  Doubleday  Anchor  Books.  o Machiavelli,  Niccolo.,  The  Mandrake.  Translated  from  Italian  to  

English  by  Frederick  May  and  Eric  Bentley.  1958.  New  York  o Beolco,  Angelo.,  Ruzzante  Returns  from  The  Wars.,  Translated  

from  Italian  to  English  by  Angela  Ingold  and  Theodore  Hoffman.  1958.  New  York  

o The  Three  Cuckolds,  Anon.,  Translated  from  Italian  to  English  by  Leon  Katz.  1958.  New  York  

o Goldoni,  Carlo.,  The  Servant  of  Two  Masters.,  Translated  from  Italian  to  English  by  Edward  J.  Dent.,  1958.  New  York  

o Goldoni,  Carlo.,  Mirandolina.,  Translated  from  Italian  to  English  Lady  Augusta  Gregory.  1958.  New  York.  

o Gozzi,  Carlo.,  The  King  Stag.,  Translated  from  Italian  to  English  by  Carl  Wildman.  1958.  New  York.  

 • Rudlin,  John.,  1994.,  Commedia  dell’Arte:  An  Actors  Handbook.,  

Paperback.  • Gordon,  Mel.,  1983.,  Lazzi:  The  Comic  Routines  of  the  Commedia  

dell’Arte.,  Performing  Arts  Journal  Publications.  • Fava,  Antonio.,  2004.,  The  Comic  Mask  in  the  Commedia  dell’Arte:  Actor  

Training  Improvisation  and  the  Poetics  of  Survival.,  ArscomicaA.  • Lecoq,  Jacques.,  2009.,  The  Moving  Body:  Teaching  Creative  Theatre.,  

Methuen  Drama.