Italian Renaissance 1400 -1600 A.D.

The Renaissance 1330 – 1550 A.D. Began in Florence, Italy “Renaissance” – “rebirth” A time of fascination with philosophy, literature, art, and science. A time of Humanists Humanists were people devoted to the humanities: literary culture, the revival of classical letters, individualistic and critical spirit, and emphasis on secular concerns.

Humanism Humanists were considered the founders of the Renaissance. They studied the areas that were known as studia humanitatis. The studia humanitatis was made up of 5 disciplines; grammar, rhetoric, history, literary studies and moral philosophy.

Commedia’s Beginnings Italian troupes and itinerate actors originated the style in 1500’s Remained popular for over 200 years Not known as Commedia dell’Arte until 1600’s The style utilized improvisation, masks, and set plots Performances largely improvised. General story line posted backstage: “the plot.”

Commedia dell 'Arte Liter”Comedy of the Artists” Style of comedy based on improvised scenes guided by scenarios. Plays contained lots of risky humor and slapstick. These plays were meant purely for amusement. The actors were acrobats, dancers, and musicians.

Stock Characters A character that is reused in other shows. Had unique and recognizable masks, costumes, stature, walk, and mannerisms.

Examples of Stock Characters

Arlecchino Often a servant to Pantalone, Capitano, or Dottore Always trying to trick master, but always fails Commedia dell ‘Arte’s Bart Simpson

Pantalone Rich, old man Puts money and social class above everything else Lusts after women he can never get.

Dottore Doctor Knows absolutely nothing about medicine Rambles on so people wont know he is incompetent.

Capitano Macho man Arrogant, huge ego, always bragging Coward at heart

Columbina Female Clever Servant She was often the only functional intellect on the stage. Columbina aided her mistress, the innamorata to gain the affections of her one true love

Innamorati Unmasked characters representing young lovers. Incapable of resolving their own problems.

Costumes Costumes were unique to the stock character. Colors reflected emotional state. Quality of costume style reflected the social status of the character.

Masks Every stock character had a unique mask. Made of mostly wood. (Sometimes fur, cloth, or feathers for extra character). Masks

What Actors Did Actors chose from stock characters or created their own Actors performed set comedy routines called lazzi Actors also showcased special talents: juggling, acrobatics, dancing or musical interludes Women allowed to perform, taking form of innocent heroine and not-so-innocent friend

Significance of the Style Without the burden of recreating the work of Greek masters, commedia actors developed new physical qualities in the work. Skills in tumbling, acrobatics, contortionists, and dangerously choreographed horseplay were in demand Influenced the work of Shakespeare, Moliere Charlie Chaplin, the Marx Brothers, Red Skelton, Buster Keaton, Laurel and Hardy, the Three Stooges, Tim Conway to name just a few

Just a few Lazzi Miss the nail while hammering and hit your thumb Carpenter carries long plank on shoulders and hits his friend with the end of the plank as he turns Drink from a water fountain and get squirted in the face Slip on a banana peel

And a few more… Get your finger stuck in a bottle Pie in the face Spill hot coffee on your lap Sit on an egg Your pants suddenly split Play an invisible instrument

Performance Space Outside in town piazzas. Carried stage, costumes, props, equipment, etc. on horse-drawn carts. Stages were about 2 meters tall. Room under stage served as changing area. Good troupes performed at stationary theaters like Palladio's theatre in Vicenza or the Petit Bourbon.

Playwrights/Plays Niccoló Machiavelli Most plays were based on scenarios and then improvised. Few full-length plays written. Niccoló Machiavelli 1469 -1527 Wrote Mandragola

Stock Plots Mistaken identity Young wife ( Amorosa) married to old husband (Pantaloon) Clever but dishonest servant ( Zanni or Harlequin) Bragging, but cowardly warrior warrior (Capitano)

Since most plays were improvised, directors weren’t really used. Actors never became independently famous. Many joined acting troupes known as “Commedia Troupes”. Actors/Directors

Today? Improvisational games and activities Words like zany Many ‘Simpsons’ and other TV/Film characters are influenced by stock characters. Zanni = Homer, Pantalone = Mr. Burns, Arlecchino = Bart