O que foi a Commedia Dell'Arte italiana?

Summary

In this video, Rafa explores the origins and evolution of Commedia dell'Arte, tracing its roots from the medieval period to the Renaissance. He explains how the form developed as a response to elite theater, with its focus on improvisation and street performances. Rafa delves into the key stock characters, such as Pantalone, Il Dottore, and Arlecchino, outlining their societal roles and the enduring impact of Commedia dell'Arte on Western theater. He concludes by highlighting its lasting influence on modern comedy and performance art, making it one of the most significant theatrical movements in history.

Takeaways

• 😀 The history of Western theater was heavily influenced by the rise of Christianity and the fall of the Roman Empire in the 5th century, making theater a forbidden art form during the medieval period.
• 😀 The medieval period, while marked by violence and economic decline, also saw the church revive theater through religious performances like Passion Plays.
• 😀 The Renaissance period (13th-14th century) marked a cultural shift towards humanism, with a focus on individualism, and the rise of new artistic and intellectual movements, including theater.
• 😀 Commedia dell'arte, a form of improvisational street theater, began to take shape during the Renaissance in Italy as a response to the elitist, academic neoclassical theater of the time.
• 😀 The first professional Commedia dell'arte troupe was established in 1545, marking the formal beginning of the art form and the inclusion of women as professional actresses for the first time.
• 😀 Commedia dell'arte is known for its improvisation and lack of fixed scripts. Instead, actors would work from scenarios (known as *canovaccio*) that outlined basic plots and situations.
• 😀 The key characters in Commedia dell'arte are divided into three categories: the *Dottore* (the intellectual), the *Pantalone* (the greedy old man), and the *Zanni* (the servants, often portrayed as foolish or cunning).
• 😀 Popular characters in Commedia dell'arte include *Arlecchino*, the clever servant, *Colombina*, a witty female character, and *Pantalone*, the lascivious, miserly old man.
• 😀 The comedic essence of Commedia dell'arte lies in physical humor, improvisation, and the representation of social roles and classes, often using exaggerated stereotypes.
• 😀 Despite its banishment from the streets and transition into theaters in the 18th century, Commedia dell'arte's influence is still evident in modern theater, influencing genres and performances around the world.

Q & A

What is *commedia dell'arte* and when did it originate?

*Commedia dell'arte* is an improvisational form of theatre that originated in Italy around the mid-16th century. It was institutionalized in 1545, although its roots may trace back to earlier performances in ancient Roman times.

How did the Middle Ages influence the development of theatre in Europe?

During the Middle Ages, theatre in Europe experienced a decline, largely due to the invasions of barbarians and the rise of Christianity, which prohibited public performances. Despite this, the memory and elements of theatre survived, especially in informal settings.

What role did the Renaissance play in the revival of theatre?

The Renaissance, beginning in the 13th century, led to the revival of theatre by focusing on humanism, individualism, and the advancement of arts and sciences. It also marked the transition from strictly religious theatre to more secular, human-focused themes.

What are the key features of *commedia dell'arte* performances?

*Commedia dell'arte* performances were characterized by improvisation rather than fixed scripts. The actors performed from outlines, known as 'canzovatti,' that were collaboratively developed, and the plays often featured exaggerated physical comedy and stock characters.

Who were the primary stock characters in *commedia dell'arte*, and what roles did they play?

The primary stock characters in *commedia dell'arte* included the Lovers (Innamorati), who were passionate young characters from the upper class; the Masters (Vecchi), such as Pantalone (the miserly old man), the Doctor (the pompous intellectual), and the Captain (the cowardly soldier); and the Servants (Zanni), like Arlecchino (the mischievous servant) and Colombina (the clever servant).

What is the significance of the *canzovatti* in *commedia dell'arte*?

The *canzovatti* were short written outlines that served as the foundation for performances in *commedia dell'arte*. These outlines were flexible, allowing actors to improvise scenes while ensuring they followed a basic narrative structure.

How did the use of masks affect the portrayal of characters in *commedia dell'arte*?

Masks were a defining feature of *commedia dell'arte*, particularly for the stock characters. These masks helped exaggerate the physical traits and personalities of the characters, reinforcing their archetypal roles and making it easier for the audience to identify them quickly.

Why were the performances of *commedia dell'arte* considered a response to the neoclassical theatre?

*Commedia dell'arte* was a popular alternative to the more formal, neoclassical theatre that was performed in courts and academies. It was rooted in the streets and focused on the experiences of common people, offering a more accessible and improvisational style of performance.

What impact did *commedia dell'arte* have on later forms of comedy and theatre?

*Commedia dell'arte* influenced many modern forms of comedy, particularly slapstick, improvisational theatre, and character-driven humor. Its emphasis on physical comedy and stock characters can be seen in works from later comedic duos like Laurel and Hardy, as well as in modern-day sitcoms and theatrical performances.

How did the transition to indoor theatres affect *commedia dell'arte*?

As the 18th century progressed, *commedia dell'arte* began transitioning from outdoor street performances to indoor theatres. This shift diminished some of the form's spontaneity and connection with the public, but its influence continued in the theatrical world, especially in terms of character archetypes and comedic style.