Introduction

    Even the most original successes of modern entertainment can be considered fraudulent and old. Almost anything from Shakespeare to The Simpsons can have their roots traced back to the ancient Italian performance art of Commedia dell’ Arte. This form of theater, performed for the blue-collar peasant, used a variety of stock characters that almost all of our theater and entertainment today is based on. Although commedia started in Italy, the traveling band of actors eventually spread commedia throughout all of Western Europe.

Origins

            As was stated above, Commedia dell’ Arte began in Italy about the same time as the Renaissance. Most people believe farmers who had nothing better to do than watch their animals thought up Commedia. Eventually, the farmers saw characters emerge from their animals, which the farmers used to come up with the basic characters of Commedia. Commedia was originally performed in either the market place or at the numerous carnivals of Europe. Since the performance was directed at the people, the actors made sure to make fun of the richer class of merchants and higher-ups. The early commedia only consisted of two basic types of characters, the Zannis and Pantalone (see characters). Eventually, other characters started to evolve as the genre of performance became more advanced.

            There are certain key components that make commedia commedia. The stock characters are one obvious component, which we will explain in detail later. Another key component of Commedia is the stage in which it is performed. Since the performers of Commedia had limited room in either the middle of the market place or carnival, they had to use limited resourced that would be easy to travel with. The solution to this was the advent of the backdrop. Although Commedia could practically be performed in the round, it is both historically correct and, more importantly, beneficial to the show to have a backdrop when performing. To mark your performance territory, the backdrop could easily be raised off the ground with a 9 by 14’ apron to the stage. The backdrop itself should be about 10’ in length, 7’ high and have support poles extending from the back about 2’. The backdrop curtain is then attached to the frame so that the middle can be opened to allow for surprise entrances. Small holes can be cut to allow for heads to poke out symbolizing eavesdropping. Finally, small step ladders in the back to elevate the actor above the top of the curtain will allow for balcony scenes, thus making your state of the art backdrop complete.

            The stage itself is a key component to Commedia. The nine feet in front of the stage can be divided into three 3’ zones used for different purposes. A 2’ ail on either side of the stage is necessary for exits and entrances. The zone farthest upstage is the observatory zone. Any characters simply hanging out, watching the action will usually stay in this area. The next zone farther downstage is the interaction zone. Characters holding ordinary conversations and interactions will usually stay here. The zone farthest downstage is known as the emotion zone. Due to the close proximity to the audience, this zone is ideal to pour out any over the top emotions, desires, or even personal thoughts that only need to be shared with the audience. The strongest points at this zone are the corners because of their accessibility and the opportunity to rush from one corner to the other at the change of a thought.

            Finally, the last yet crucially essential component of commedia is the mask. Since we’re dealing with stock characters, the different troupes of actors needed a way to symbolize each character besides the actor that played him. Thus the mask came about to differentiate between different characters. Although not all characters are equipped with masks, all characters cover their faces with either mask or face paint. The mask also is a tool for the actor as well as the audience. To wear a mask was a method for the actors to transform into the characters they wished to play. In many professional commedia troupes, the actors are not allowed to speak out of character unless the mask off their face. Every character has a special mask, so each mask will be discusses for each major character.