The Commedia Dell'arte was a popular strand of Renaissance theater. It began in the 16th century with the advent of the Renaissance.
Although it appeared in Italy, this model later arrived in France under the name “Italian Comedy”.
The commedia dell'arte remained until the 18th century, when it had its period of decadence.
Features:Summary
The big difference between the commedia dell'arte and the theater that was being produced in the renaissance is precisely the popular character that he owns.
In other words, while the Renaissance theater was based on classical ideals, the commedia dell'arte was opposed to the erudite model.
In addition to his popular character he was also itinerant , that is, the theater company presented in several cities.
Many theater companies were successful in attracting audiences, even the upper class. The companies that stood out the most were:Gelosi, Confidenti, Fedeli.
Its actors performed in public places, whether in the streets or squares. The stages were improvised and the presentation scheme was based on improvisation and spontaneity of its actors.
For this reason, it was also known by the name:“Commedia All’Improviso” (Comedy of Improvisation).
Want to know more about Renaissance? Read the articles:
- Renaissance:Characteristics and Historical Context
- Characteristics of the Renaissance
- Cultural Renaissance
- Artistic Renaissance
Characters from Commedia dell'arte
The characters that were part of the comedies developed by Commedia Dell'arte were caricatured, typified and stereotyped. They were divided into three groups:the lovers, the servants and the bosses.
The lovers were ready for marriage and did not present a comical posture. Servants were those with low incomes. On the other hand, the bosses, also called old people, were the people who had the best financial situation.
Note that the most popular characters were the Zannis. They were trickster, comical, roguish and creative characters. In this category, the Harlequin deserves more attention.
Besides him, other Zannis stood out:Pulcinella, Pedrollino, Brighela, Temellino, Nepolino, Fagotino, Truffaldino, Pasqualino, Bertollino Tortelino, among others.
The comic effect was given precisely by the performance of its characters. Check below the main characters of commedia dell'arte:
- Arlecchino :main figure of the commedia dell'arte. Harlequin was a clumsy, agile and tricky servant and clown.
- Colombin :was a graceful, intelligent, agile and skillful servant. She is the only female servant, Harlequin's girlfriend. She was also recognized by the names:Esmeraldina, Diamantina, Pasquela, Ricciolina, Coralina, Argentina and Franceschina.
- Pantalone :also called Pantaleão, represented a rich, conservative, authoritarian and miserly old man.
- Brighella :faithful servant, cunning, selfish, agile and cynical. He's a singing rogue who works for Pantalone.
- Pedrollino :also called Peter or Pierrot, he was a faithful and honest servant.
- Pulcinella :was a hunchback also known as Punch.
- Dottore :also known by the name Graziano. He was a rich old man, a charlatan and a miser. Allied with Pantalone, he possessed an intellectual stance.
- Capitan :Known as a captain, he is a braggart, a liar, lazy and strong. However, he has a cowardly stance in battles and in love.
- Orazio :naive, futile, attractive and vain lover, driven by passion. Besides him, the enamored Leandro was common.
- Isabella :innocent lover, vain and with high power of seduction. She fell in love easily. Besides her, the enamored ones stand out:Rosalba, Flavínia and Lavinia.
Commedia dell'arte masks
Commedia Dell'Arte Theater Mask
In addition to the colorful costumes of its characters, the commedia dell'arte had a very peculiar feature:the use of masks. Generally, those who didn't wear masks were the lovers.
Learn more about the Renaissance Theater.