COMMEDIA
DELLARTE
BY CYNTHIA JIN
WHAT ARE
MASKS?
In drama, masks are used in performance. They can be
used to represent another or being or bring out a
different part within the actor.
WHAT IS COMMEDIA
DELLARTE?
Commedia dellarte is a kind of
improvisational that began during the
sixteenth century
The actors were only given scenarios to
enact
Commedia actors wore masks that only
cover the upper half of their face leaving the
lower half open to freely speak, hrnce they
are called half masks
It originated in Italy and remained a widely
popular form of theatre until the eighteenth
century and it still commonly used in the
modern world of today.
Commedia became so popular that it Source 1 Modern commedia actors
eventually travelled to Spain, France, and then
through most parts of Europe.
A BRIEF
HISTORY OF
COMMEDIA
DELLARTE
Commedia dellarte was created in the street
during the Italian Renaissance however, its roots
can be traced back to ancient Greek and Roman
theatre. The street performers of Italy wore masks
with exaggerated comic features. They often had
acrobatic skills and used these abilities in order to
draw even more attention to themselves. The
actors formed travelling groups and began to travel
throughout the cities of Italy and later on, they
travelled throughout the rest or Europe.
They often had ten actors consisting of seven men
and three women within their troupes. In contrast,
many varieties of theatre often dismissed women
completely. Source 1 - Commedia actors on a cart interacting with
the public
WHAT ROLE HAVE MASKS PLAYED IN
COMMEDIA DELLARTE?
Commedia began as a past-time for tradesmen who used it as a way to entertain eachother with some simple
dramatics. Eventually, it evolved into something more. There was a marked out patch of grass to indicate a make
shift stage for small amounts of people to watch. Later on, a raised platform was made in order for the actors to be
properly seen and clearly head by the moving crowds.
They allowed the actor to portray the character in a comical and humorous way by showing off clear traits with
their posture, voice and body language.
Commedia masks were used to entertain an audience. In contrast, some masks from other culture were used for
religion and spiritual purposes that sometimes represented demons, gods or spirits.
HOW HAS COMMEDIA DELLARTE
INFLUENCED CONTEMPORARY
THEATRE?
Commedia dellarte has been a major influence on todays modern comedy. Modern comedy heavily borrows
from some elements of commedia. Many character traits have been borrowed and appropriated into modern
tv shows and movies.
Commedia dellarte had also influenced several of Shakespearean plays such as The Tempest, Loves Labour Lost,
and The Taming of the Shrew.
Source - visual comparison of original commedia characters and how some of their traits
can be found in contemporary comedy such as Fox Broadcasting Companys Furturama.
WHO ARE THE CHARACTERS IN
COMMEDIA DELLARTE?
Source 1- Visual representation of
chrarcter status in Commedia
dellarte
Three main types of characters in commedia
dellarte
Masters Adults, landlords, merchants,
businessmen.
Lovers Young beautiful women, handsome
young mem
Servants often young, male, witty or stupid,
physical.
Characters are normally wear masks but the lover
have non-masks meaning that they dont have a
physical mask on but still have to be in character
and act as if the y do have one on. All characters
are treated as if there are no masks on and that
they appear to be completely normal.
Source 2 Video introducing and explaining
characters and a brief overview of what commedia
dellarte is.
CHARACTER SUMMARY
Magnifico is the leader of the city and has the The 1st actress and the 1st actor are
most power. He also tends to have eagle-like aristocrat lovers they are serious,
characteristics as he looks down on those around dangerous lover. They do not have masks,
him. but rather they have non-masks.
Zanni is new to the city and as a result he is a The doctor is a character who can be
very curious . He is in ways a crazy servant to described to be well read and well fed. He
Magnifico. knows everything about everything, but
understands nothing.
Pantalone is an old, wealthy and esteemed
merchant. Brighella is the cunning servant and many was
is the Magnifico of the servants
Harlequin is the stupid servant. He is illogical and
amoral; he does not understand the difference
between right and wrong.
The witch is from the country side who is very
powerful and adds a supernatural element to
commedia.
The captain was very proud and valiant but
should he have opportunity to fight, he would do
anything to get out of it; a coward.
Columbina is a female servant in Commedia.
Mask used in commedia
SUMMARY
In summary, commedia dellarte was a very popular form of theatre in the sixteenth century. It has influenced
much of todays contemporary comedies and characters. It was one of the only forms of theatre at the time that
allowed and included women in their plays.
FIN.
