Commedia dell’ Arte

1. Commedia dell’ Arte • Italian Renaissance Theater

2. Staging • Italians invented perspective painting of scenery and changeable scenery for the stage • Italians also invented the proscenium (picture frame)theater, which was performed indoors with artificial illumination (candles and oil lamps)

3. Perspective • allowed artists to show larger scenes in a limited space • gives depth to 2-dimensional designs • began as early as 1508

4. Vocab • neoclassicism- a systematic approach to playwriting and production based on interpretations of classical Greek and Roman models of plays and theory • playwright- the author, or crafter, of the play • wings- changeable flats that could be pulled quickly on and off stage in grooves on the floor • flats- scenic units typically framed with 1“x3” lumber and covered with muslin, plywood or other material. Often represents a solid surface (like a wall), but is light and easy to move

5. Vocab • verisimilitude- events on stage should be written and staged realistically • three unities- neoclassical guidelines: Time (everything in 24 hours), Place (all in one location), Action (no subplots unless fully integrated with the central conflict) • decorum- universality in morality and characterization: follow the current notions of proper behavior, values and language based on characters; age, gender, class, etc.

6. Commedia dell’arte • Improvisational comedy that originated in Italy before 1568. Some characters wear masks, actors plan the scenario and comic business ahead of time, but develop specific dialogue and action in front of the audience. • Uses improvisation, acrobatic clowning, farcical plots, and attractive lovers • Likely based on Greek and Roman mimes

7. Stock characters • Archetypal characters that are immediately recognizable to the audience, based on cultural types and stereotypes

8. zanni • servant clown

9. Pantalone • Miser

10. capitano • braggart soldier

11. prima donna • leading lady

12. innamorata and Innamorato innamorato • young lovers

13. Poster Assignment • Choose one of the stock characters found in Commedia dell’Arte and create a poster that includes images of the character in costume and a description of the character’s role and behavior. • Provide a modern equivalent of this character’s archetype from film, television or theater. Explain the connection. • This poster should be colorful and presented neatly on unlined paper or poster board. • Alternative Option: Work with a group to present the same information as a book. Each person must be responsible for describing and illustrating a different stock character, and each person must provide a modern equivalent for their character with an explanation of the connection. • Due Monday, 12/17

14. Extra Credit • Create an engaging power point or prezi about Greek Theater, Elizabethan Theater, or the Italian Renaissance • Include: Staging, Performance Style, Costumes, Typical Plays and Important Vocab • Minimum of 5 slides • Must include sources • Equal to one Quiz grade if turned in at least two weeks before the end of a quarter