Commedia dell' Arte

• When translated, it approximates to "Comedy of the Artists."

How did it develop?

• In the marketplace, people had to compete to attract customers, so they started using verbal comicality music, etc.
• Carnival were celebrations to bring a community together and release social tensions. With disguises and masks, people escape from their identity in performances.
• The classics also had a great influence too, since there was an interest in greek literature at the time.

It's roots are in improvisation and spontaneity. It is popular theatre, which can be enjoyed by the masses.

Improvised theatre does not have prepared action. Commedia dell'Arte can be seen a balance between spontaneity, inspiration and technique.

Comedia dell' Arte is not realistic theatre because:

• It is in open air.
• Characters often exaggerate when they had masks on. It was like an excuse for their actions.

Stage:

• Thrust stage, with curtains/paintings in the back of the stage and a wooden platform.