Italian Renaissance

Began with devotional songs called laudi based on the four Gospels. Sacre rappresentazioni, religious dramas similar to the mystery plays of England and France developed a bit later.

Tragedy Imitative of Seneca and guided by Aristotle Written mostly in Latin Moral in purpose Themes represented recent history and classical subjects Showed lots of gore and blood

Comedy Combination of classical and contemporary tales Early ones written in Latin Characters based on classical prototypes and new stock characters such as the ‘scholar’

Two forms of Comedy First the commedia erudita or “learned comedy” which was written for elite audiences The second was a form of comedy in which no play was written because the dialogue was improvised called “commedia dell’arte”

Commedia Dell’Arte Origin is uncertain Popular from mid 16 th century to early 18 th century Based on folk tradition Many Italian cities influenced the development of the commedia characters

Began as pure farce and moved into melodrama Performances were adapted to changing circumstances and perceived mood of the audience Although much of commedia was based on improvisation the style took a high degree of professionalism and lengthy study and rehearsal.

Commedia companies developed a strong affinity among members Both sexes Actors would specialize in a single part, playing no other but rather growing with age The Actors

Acting required great skill besides the ability to improvise Actors had to be acrobats, singers, dancers and sometimes musicians Most male roles were masked

Characters Three main groups Two young lovers (unmasked) around whom the story revolves An assortment of obtuse and obstructive elders representing satirical versions of well-known types And a crowd of servants led by Arlecchino, the crafty slave

Plot Based on slaves or servants exploiting the foolishness of their social superiors

Stock Characters Arlecchino or Harlequin, who wears patchwork clothes and a black mask Columbina or Columbine the female lover Pedrolino or Pierrot in loose white clown’s costume Pulcinella or Scaramouche the bragging soldier or mercenary captain

Influence Commedia dell’arte became popular around the globe and reached Spain before 1570 and France in Traditional commedia dell’arte faded away in the 18 th century, but its traditions lingered on Today there are still strong links to commedia in experimental and improvisational theatre