10 Red - Commedia Dell'Arte

Introduction

Commedia dell'arte originated as a form of street-theatre in the early 1600's. These Italian street performers wore intricate masks with exaggerated features to convey a variety of comical characters through the use of improvisation. The name translates to "comedy or profession." It was shortened from commedia dell'arte all'improviso, or "comedy of the craft of improvisation."

The performers played on outdoor, temporary stages and ampi-theatres with no scenery. All performances were improvised, meaning there was no script. Actors became so good at improvising "in character" that they instinctively knew how their character would respond or act in a variety of scenarios. 

The characters of the commedia were categorised into the Masters, the Servants and the Young Lovers fulfilling fixed social stereotypes such as foolish old men, cheeky servants or devious lovers.

Your Task 

Using the links below, research various commedia stock characters and choose one character to focus on throughout this term. This character must be masked, and you will be using this character in group work and in monologue this term, so find out as much about your character as possible. Keep this in mind from a performance perspective.

You must inform Mr. G of which character you have chosen, as there is a maximum of 5 students per character.

Once you've chosen your character, you must find out as much as you can and create a character profile.

Make sure you include the following information: 

• character name
• their costume
• their physical appearance
• their mask
• any props
• their stance/walk
• movements & gestures
• characteristics

This must be presented in your Drama Journal.

***Leave one page blank to later include a printed/drawn picture of your character.*** Create drafts if necessary.

http://www.delpiano.com/carnival/html/commedia.html

https://www.italymask.co.nz/About+Masks/Commedia+dellArte+Characters.html

Group Task

Now that you have completed your character profile, Mr G will put you into groups of 4-6, all with a variety of characters.

Together you will share your characters profiles; describing and demonstrating.

You must work together to produce a five-minute presentation, including quick facts about Commedia dell'Arte, and an introduction to all of your characters.

Presentation

Your presentation must be organised, audible, clearly stated, and informative.

Please don’t simply read from your Journals. You must show a clear understanding of your character/s.

In your presentation please include a demonstration of your character/s eg. walk, stance, voice and demeanor.

Make your presentations as creative as possible.