What is Commedia dell'Arte?

Commedia dell’Arte is a unique and stylised theatrical tradition that was born in Italy (Venice) in the 16th Century. Commedia dell’Arte is a combination of the following elements: stock characters, masks, parody, satire, exaggeration and improvisation. In this form of improvised theatre, a performance was constructed from a canovaccio or scenario. Actors would play the same stock characters and wear masks (with the exception of The Lovers).

Commedia dell’Arte was innovative and ahead of its time for the 16th Century. For example the term, dell’Arte, loosely translates to ‘professional’. 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 woman to perform on stage, like pioneering actresses, Vincenza Armani and Isabella Andreini.

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, ‘Kath and Kim’ or ‘American Dad’. The exaggerated impressions are similar to the exaggerated grotesque quality of the masks used in Commedia.

The stock characters from the Commedia dell’Arte 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 ‘The Simpsons’.

Each stock character wears a mask that is inspired by an animal or that reflects the character’s traits or idiosyncrasies. The actor then embodies these qualities in their performance. For example, Arlecchino’s physicality and attitude reflect his mask, a cross between a cat and a monkey.

In Australia, we are fortunate that educators see the value of studying the rich and joyous subject of Commedia dell’Arte through Drama, LOTE and Humanities subjects.

Make A Scene hopes that it can assist you with delivering your curriculum in this area in a fun and interactive way.

The Stock Characters (Tipi Fisi)

Zanni 1 (servant, sidekick type)

Zanni 2 (Arlecchino, Brighella, Pulcinella, more evolved than Zanni 1)

Colombina (female servant)

Pantalone (old man, wealthy, licentious)

Il Dottore (an academic, not necessarily intelligent)

Il Capitano (a narcissistic Spanish militant)

The Lovers (usually aristocrats, high status)