Commedia dell'arte was an early form of professional theatre originating in Italian theatre that was popular throughout Europe between the sixteenth and eighteenth centuries, formerly called Italian comedy in English and also known as commedia alla maschera, commedia improvviso and commedia dell'arte all'improvviso. It is characterized by masked types, standardized archetypal characters shared across all productions and identified by their names, costumes and functions within the comedy.
Facts
Place of OriginItaly; commedia dell'arte was an early form of professional theatre that grew out of Italian theatre and spread across Europe between the sixteenth and eighteenth centuries. 1 Notable ExampleI Gelosi, an Italian acting troupe that performed commedia dell'arte from 1569 to 1604, among the form's most celebrated companies. 2 Defining TraitCommedia dell'arte is defined by masked stock character types, standardized archetypes shared across every production and identified by their names, costumes and comic functions. 1 FAQs
Was commedia dell'arte entirely improvised?
It mixed a scripted plot skeleton with improvised gags and well-rehearsed lazzi.
No. A commedia contained both scripted and improvised portions. Key plot points and the characters' entrances and exits were scripted, while the actors were expected to improvise new gags on stage. A special characteristic was the lazzo, a joke or something foolish or witty, usually well known to the performers and to some extent a scripted routine.
Connections
In the Other Atlases
Originated In
Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject originated.
Source Commedia dell'arte (Wikipedia)tier 2
Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject originated.
Source Commedia dell'arte (Wikipedia)tier 2
Sources
1. Commedia dell'arte (Wikipedia)
Wikimedia Foundation (Wikipedia)Lead section
Commedia dell'arte was an early form of professional theatre, originating from Italian theatre, that was popular throughout Europe between the 16th and 18th centuries.
Characteristics section
Commedia is characterized by masked 'types' which are standardised archetypical characters shared across all productions and identified via their names, costumes, and functions in the comedy.
View the Source 2. I Gelosi (Wikipedia)
Wikimedia Foundation (Wikipedia)Lead sectionQuote, Lead section
I Gelosi (Italian: [i dʒeˈloːzi, -oːsi]; lit. 'the Zealous Ones') was an Italian acting troupe that performed commedia dell'arte from 1569 to 1604.
Reader Challenges (0)
No disputes yet. Spotted an error or a better source? Open the first one.
Sign in to dispute this or suggest a correction.