1. 1 Italian Theatre to 1700 (Commedia dell’Arte)
By far the most popular commedia character was Arlecchino (Harlequin).
At first, he was not featured in early scripts.
His popularity started in the mid 17th century.
He is a mixture of cunning and stupidity.
He is an accomplished acrobat and dancer.
He usually was at the center of intrigues (plots).
His costume had a distinct look:
A diamond-shaped pattern with red, blue, and green
A shaved head and rakish hat (see image)
A wooden stick (“slapstick”) used in fights and beatings of various lazzi
Arlecchino.
Image: 1

2. 2 Italian Theatre to 1700 (Commedia dell’Arte)
Pantalone was always a middle-aged or elderly merchant.
He spoke in a Venetian accent and was fond of proverbs (wise sayings).
Despite his age, he often posed as a young man and courted one of the young women.
His costume typically included a tight-fitting red vest, red breeches and stockings, soft slippers, a black, ankle-length coat, a soft brimless cap, and a scraggly gray beard.
His mask was brown with a large hooked nose.
Pantalone.
Image: Wikipedia 2

3. 3 Italian Theatre to 1700 (Commedia dell’Arte)
Dottore was usually Pantalone’s friend or rival.
Like Pantalone, Dottore had an established place in society.
He was a pedant, usually a doctor of law or medicine.
Pedant - a person who is excessively concerned with minor details and rules or with displaying academic learning
He spoke in a Bolognese dialect and used lots of latin words and phrases.
He loved to show off his knowledge, but was often tricked by others because of his trusting nature.
As a result, he was often made a cuckold (cheated on) despite being a jealous husband!
His costume was the academic cap and gown.
Dottore.
Image: Wikipedia. 3

4. 4 Italian Theatre to 1700 (Commedia dell’Arte)
Troupes averaged between ten and twelve members: 7-8 men and 3-4 women.
A typical troupe included two sets of lovers, a servant girl, a Capitano, two zanni, and two old men.
This pattern could me altered depending on the financial state of the group.
Productions were supervised by the leader/most respected member of the group.
The leader had to explain the character relationships, clarify the action, explain the lazzi, and acquire any needed props.
It is not clear whether or not plays were actually rehearsed, but we know they were careful to make sure each actor knew what was expected.
Commedia troupes averaged between 10 and 12 members in total.
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5. 5 Italian Theatre to 1700 (Commedia dell’Arte)
Most companies were organized on a sharing plan, under which the members assumed any financial risk and divided the profits.
Younger actors may have been salaried (paid fixed amounts) until they were granted full membership.
Troupes traveled frequently, and at each new town they had to petition for the right to perform.
Usually they rented large rooms for performances, but they could also work on improvised outdoor stages or indoor court stages.
Adaptability was the key to their success – props or no props, set or no set, they got the job done!
Commedia was most active between 1570 and 1650, but it remained popular until about 1775.
Thanks to their versatility, commedia troupes were at home both on the stage and in the streets!
Image: 5