Carlo Goldoni, introduzione e vita

Summary

This video script delves into the life and career of Carlo Goldoni, one of Italy's most celebrated playwrights. It covers his early years, his struggle to find his path, and his eventual shift from law to theater. Goldoni aimed to reform Italian theater by moving away from the improvisational commedia dell'arte, and his works continue to captivate audiences today. The script also highlights his key accomplishments, including his success in Venice and his later years in Paris, where he became part of King Louis XV's court. Despite facing fierce opposition and financial struggles, Goldoni's legacy as a revolutionary figure in theater remains enduring.

Takeaways

• 😀 Goldoni was one of Italy's greatest playwrights, famous worldwide for his comedies still performed today.
• 😀 His literary production includes over 160 titles, with the aim of reforming traditional comedy.
• 😀 Goldoni's biggest rival was the commedia dell'arte, a form of theater based on improvisation and stereotypical characters.
• 😀 Goldoni's life began in 1707, and he was initially interested in literature, particularly theater, after being influenced by Latin playwright Plautus.
• 😀 His passion for theater started when he encountered a troupe of actors while traveling by ship in 1721.
• 😀 Goldoni studied law but was excluded from Pavia in 1725 due to writing a satire about women.
• 😀 In 1729, he decided to fully dedicate himself to theater, first working as a writer and actor for the commedia dell'arte.
• 😀 Goldoni gained significant success and recognition, working at several theaters in Venice and creating numerous works annually.
• 😀 Despite the success, Goldoni faced strong criticism from defenders of traditional theater, particularly Pietro Chiari and Carlo Gozzi.
• 😀 In 1762, Goldoni moved to Paris, where he continued to promote his reforms and eventually became a teacher at the court of Louis XV, living in Versailles before dying in poverty in 1793.

Q & A

Who is the main figure discussed in the script?

The main figure discussed in the script is Carlo Goldoni, one of Italy’s greatest playwrights, known worldwide for his contributions to theater.

What was Goldoni’s most significant intention with his literary work?

Goldoni aimed to reform traditional Italian comedy by moving away from the improvisational style of commedia dell’arte and introducing more realistic dialogue and structured plays.

What was Goldoni's relationship with commedia dell’arte?

Goldoni initially worked within the commedia dell’arte, writing scripts for it, but he later sought to reform the genre by focusing on more structured and realistic theater.

What were the early challenges Goldoni faced in his life?

Goldoni faced challenges such as being expelled from Pavia for writing a satirical piece about women and struggling with depression and a search for his future direction before fully dedicating himself to theater.

How did Goldoni’s career in theater evolve over time?

Goldoni began by writing for commedia dell’arte and acting. He eventually became the director of major theaters like Teatro San Giovanni Crisostomo in Venice, where his reputation grew, and he ultimately started writing independently, creating some of his most famous works.

What were some of Goldoni's most famous works?

Some of Goldoni's most famous works include *La Locandiera* and *La Donna di Gabbo*, which helped cement his legacy as a playwright.

What was the significance of Goldoni's challenge in 1750?

In 1750, Goldoni challenged himself to write 16 new comedies in a single year. Not only did he complete this ambitious task, but it also led to some of his best-known works.

Why did Goldoni leave Italy for Paris in 1762?

Goldoni left Italy for Paris in 1762 due to increasing conflict with supporters of commedia dell’arte and the growing attacks on his work. He hoped for a fresh start in a new country.

How did Goldoni impact theater in France?

Goldoni successfully introduced his reforms to French theater, even becoming the personal teacher of Italian to the daughters of King Louis XV. His influence spread, and he continued to write plays during his time in Paris.

What happened to Goldoni towards the end of his life?

In his later years, Goldoni was affected by the French Revolution, which led to the suspension of his generous pension. He died in poverty in 1793.