Commedia dell’arte – When, where and why? (What was happening in the world when Commedia emerged?) Commedia dell'arte emerged in the 14th Century, and lasted for approximately 400 years. During this time, ports throughout the world had opened their doors to foreign trading, and this allowed for the flourishing and appreciation of the arts, culture and science.
Subjects and content of Commedia Commedia dell'arte has never had set scripts, or set scenes - but rather used the same characters to portray in different circumstances. These performances are very similar to those found on soap-operas today, and often made fun of the tragedy within life.
Comedy in Commedia - what was funny? Commedia used 'slap-stick' comedy, and often was completely unrelated to the scene itself. They included small harmless jokes, or acts such as juggling, acrobatics and wrestling. Though they added nothing to the story line, they were successful in creating a light atmosphere, and getting a laugh out of the audience members.
The masks of Commedia - what did they look like? The masks used in Commedia have maintained an almost-original form throughout the years, and each reflect the traits of their respective character. Each character had their own unique mask, and the actors would wear these to help imitate and polish their characters. Only the male characters wore masks, and the Lovers would wear heavy makeup to add to the atmosphere. The masks and costumes were also decorated and created in such that they would bring a laugh out of the audience yet again.
2. Research Stock Characters: What is astock character? A character that is based upon a stereotypical image of a certain culture, ethnicity, social standing or group, etc.
Who were the stock characters of Commedia dell’arte? The stock characters in Commedia dell'arte were Pantalone, Gratiano, Pedrolino, Arlecchino, Capitano and Il Dottore.
Include graphics to illustrate the mask and costume of the following Commedia characters:
4. What role did IMPROVISATION play in Commedia dell’arte? The actors in Commedia dell'arte were only given a set scene, and had to make up the script and blocking on their own. Their improvisation had to be detailed and sharp if they wanted the scene to be, and to get laughs out of the audience. This sort of improvisation takes great skill, and improvising with comedy is a hard feat to accomplish.
Commedia dell'arte
Commedia dell’arte – When, where and why? (What was happening in the world when Commedia emerged?)
Commedia dell'arte emerged in the 14th Century, and lasted for approximately 400 years. During this time, ports throughout the world had opened their doors to foreign trading, and this allowed for the flourishing and appreciation of the arts, culture and science.
Subjects and content of Commedia
Commedia dell'arte has never had set scripts, or set scenes - but rather used the same characters to portray in different circumstances. These performances are very similar to those found on soap-operas today, and often made fun of the tragedy within life.
Comedy in Commedia - what was funny?
Commedia used 'slap-stick' comedy, and often was completely unrelated to the scene itself. They included small harmless jokes, or acts such as juggling, acrobatics and wrestling. Though they added nothing to the story line, they were successful in creating a light atmosphere, and getting a laugh out of the audience members.
The masks of Commedia - what did they look like?
The masks used in Commedia have maintained an almost-original form throughout the years, and each reflect the traits of their respective character. Each character had their own unique mask, and the actors would wear these to help imitate and polish their characters. Only the male characters wore masks, and the Lovers would wear heavy makeup to add to the atmosphere. The masks and costumes were also decorated and created in such that they would bring a laugh out of the audience yet again.
2. Research Stock Characters:
What is a stock character?
A character that is based upon a stereotypical image of a certain culture, ethnicity, social standing or group, etc.
Who were the stock characters of Commedia dell’arte?
The stock characters in Commedia dell'arte were Pantalone, Gratiano, Pedrolino, Arlecchino, Capitano and Il Dottore.
Include graphics to illustrate the mask and costume of the following Commedia characters:
Pantalone
Brighella
Il Dottore
Il Capitano
Arlecchino
3. Find and upload to your wikispace a video file of commedia in performance.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wVXQ6GW-CPk&feature=related
4. What role did IMPROVISATION play in Commedia dell’arte?
The actors in Commedia dell'arte were only given a set scene, and had to make up the script and blocking on their own. Their improvisation had to be detailed and sharp if they wanted the scene to be, and to get laughs out of the audience. This sort of improvisation takes great skill, and improvising with comedy is a hard feat to accomplish.