Commedia dell’Arte

Commedia dell’Arte was a comedic theatrical piece of drama performed by professional players who travelled in troupes in the 16th century throughout Italy. Music, dance and funny dialogue were all part of the comic effects in these performances.  These drama performances usually took place on temporary stages such as the streets of Italy but occasionally were shown in court venues. However, that was not the case for all of the troupes, the slightly better troupes performed in palaces and became internationally famous everytime they travelled abroad.

PROPS:

There were no extravagant sets in commedia as staging was very minimalistic and the stages were temporary outdoor streets. Instead, in Commedia dell’Arte the use of props was very vital. Weapons, furniture and food are only some of the props used in the performances. Additionally, a very particular character called Arlecchino bore two sticks tied together which made a loud nose on impact; this gave birth to the word "slaptick".

IMPROVISATION:

Improvisation was a unique talent of the commedia players around a pre-established scenario. Responding either to one another or the audience, the actors made use of 'lazzi' which were specially rehearsed routines that could be merged into the play at certain points to heighten the comedy, musical numbers and impromptu dialogue were also used by the actors.

STOCK CHARACTERS:

Commedia dell’Arte represented many fixed social types as stock characters such as foolish old men, devious servants and military officers. Below is further details on stock characters that I have found from the webiste: http://italian.about.com/library/weekly/aa110800b.htm