Example Cannovacci: John Rudlin & Olly Crick 1999

A GAME OF WAR AND DEATH

( The Profits of War )

PANTALONE, ZANNI, ARLECCHINO, BRIGHELLA, FRANCESCHINA, IL CAPITANO CURD, IL CAPITANO WHEY

Pantalone is counting his money made from arms sales, and delighting in the profits of war made from the stockpiles of grenades, swords, Ariecchino is helping by acting out what they do etc. Pantalone leaves Arlecchino exploding on stage

Enter Capitano Curd whom Arlecchino mistakes for a new customer. Capitano Curd tells Arlecchino that the town has been taken over by the Curds and they must all bow down to him . Arlecchino agrees, and exits bowing.

Enter Capitano Whey , with Zanni , who sees his deadly enemy and tells him that the Wheys have taken the town and he must flee. Zanni carries the insults between them and gets beaten by both until eventually he goes doolally and deserts .The Capitanos have to go face to face to each other. Pantalone and Arlecchino eavesdrop from the top of the curtain. As they daren't fight they both say they'll come back with bigger armies and exit.

Pantalone says its time to open the shop again, but this time Arlecchino is terrified and won't come down. Pantalone eventually coaxes him down with the present of a "pineapple" (grenade). Zanni immediatly appears at the mention offood. Arlecchiuo and Zanni squabble over the "pineapple". Zanni ends up with it hidden about his person. Enter Both Capitanos separately who announce that they've given orders to their armies to bomb the town.

Capitanos mime dropping bombs from the sides of the stage as Pantalone, Zanni and Arlecchino duck and dodge, being bombed from one side of the stage to the other. Eventually Pantalone says "grab the supplies and head for the hills, the town's done for" and exit (Arlecchino, Pantalone and Zanni last). Capitano Whey sees Zanni and exits in pursuit of the deserter. Capitano Curd follows his deadly enemy Capitano Whey.

Brighella and Franceschina arrive separately ( at the same time ) with some baggage and recognize each other: certainly not old friends. They come from different sides of the mountain and had hoped to keep it that way....however they both have been driven out of their homes by warring armies (The Curds and the Wheys )...so they decide to make common cause, setting up shop in a deserted farmhouse and fleece whoever comes by. Exit Franceschina to get herself ready for business.

Enter Zanni who has nothing, but Brighella says he can work for him free and will spare his life. Exit Zanni .

Enter Pantalone and Arlechino carrying the supplies starving. Begs shelter. Brighella offers them shelter and will look after the supplies. Pantalone agrees when Brighella explains that refugees are often found murdered in the the mountains. He and Arlecchiuo exit into the house.

Enter Capitano Whey looking for a Zanni deserter. Brighella tells him where he is ( inside the house) in return for money and a promise to inform on anyone .He also shows the sack of "supplies" that Pantalone has been carrying...it is in fact guns that he has been selling to both sides. Capitano Whey confiscates them. Exit Capitano Whey into the house. Brighella laughs saying that the guns are worse than useless...there's no danger in him getting them

Enter Franceschina .She and Brighella rejoice in the profits of war. Exit Brighella.

Enter Capitano Curd looking for the enemy. Franceschina promises to be his Mata Hari and lure secrets out of the enemy for a fee, and she'll give a complete demonstration as to how it's done if Capitano Curd goes into the house....exit Capitano Curd.

Franceschina calls on Zanni and tells him on no account must any of the guests meet. Exit Franceschina (to meet Capitano Whey).

Enter Capitano Whey who shoots Zanni as a deserter. Pantalone stabs Capitano Whey for ruining his business. Brighella bashes Pantalone over the head for stabbing other guests. arlecchino bashes Brighella over the head for killing his master. Franceschina bashes Arlecchino over the head for killing her protector. Enter Capitano Curd, very impressed with Franceschina's attempts to sudbue the enemy.Zanni wakes up, having been shot by a totally useless Pantalone Inc. bullet, finds the " pineapple" he's hidden earlier says "what happens if I pul the pin out ?" Blow up..all die.

The End.