1. I. Period Title Italian Renaissance Dates 1400-1600

2. II. Significant People of this Period (Italian): A. Commedia dell’ Arte- 1. professional improvisational comedy 2.stock characters 3. performing on the streets for masses 4. seven men and three women 5. common man

4. More people Both Moliere (France: 1622-1673) and Shakespeare (England: 1564-1616) borrowed (or stole) both characters, bits of comic business (lazzi) and plots from the commedia.

5. Characters: 6. Harlequin (diamond costume-witty and clever) 7.Columbine(flirtatious and pretty 8.Pierrot (lovelorn and moody) 9. Pantalone (baggy pants father or husband) B. Crusaders and Marco Polo

6. III. Theatre Architecture: A. Wagons B. First proscenium theatres built for pseudo-classicism-copy ancient Rome C. Opera houses-multi-tiers of narrow horseshoe shaped galleries D. Sets in perspective with raked stages

7. V. Significant Events: A. Vigorous activity in arts and science B. Half masks

9. IV Important Terms: A. Renaissance-rebirth of learning B. Scenario-plot skeleton-There were no scripts. All of the dialogue and much of the business was improvised. C. Opera developed at this time

10. Terms C. Type of Comedy-Farce. Low comedy. Comedy of pain. Slapstick, all mean humor D. Lazzi-Bits of comic business, performed by the actors, which were inserted into the play. The specific lazzi to be performed was often indicated in the scenario.