Commedia dell'Arte in Context

The commedia dell'arte is a famous Italian theatre tradition that emerged from 1550 to 1750 and is known for its improvised masks and has become part of the European cultural imagination. Over the past twenty years, there has been a revolution in commedia dell'arte scholarship, but it remains largely untranslated into English. This book brings together Italian and English-speaking scholars to synthesize this research for both specialist and non-specialist readers, structured around key topics that span the early modern period and the twentieth-century reinvention of the commedia dell'arte.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 373 pages
Publication date: 10 December 2020
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The commedia dell'arte, an improvised Italian theatre that flourished from 1550 to 1750, holds a remarkable place in the annals of European theatrical history. Its iconic masks have transcended the realm of the stage and ingrained themselves into the collective European cultural consciousness, symbolizing the art form itself. Over the past two decades, a transformative shift in commedia dell'arte scholarship has taken place, driven primarily by a cohort of distinguished Italian scholars. Their groundbreaking work, which meticulously distinguishes between myth and historical fact, has yet to be fully translated into English (or any other language). This comprehensive volume brings together these Italian and English-speaking scholars for the first time, offering a synthesized presentation of this research for both specialist and non-specialist readers. The book is organized around key themes that traverse both the early modern period and the twentieth-century reinvention of the commedia dell'arte.

The commedia dell'arte emerged as a distinct theatrical genre during the Renaissance, characterized by its emphasis on physical comedy, stock characters, and the use of masks. It gained popularity throughout Italy and eventually spread to other European countries, particularly France and Spain. The performers, known as commediens, were skilled in improvisation, wit, and physical prowess, and their performances often included political satire, social commentary, and romantic love stories.

One of the most notable features of commedia dell'arte was its masks. These masks were designed to represent different social classes, genders, and personalities, allowing the performers to easily switch between characters and roles. The masks were also used to exaggerate facial expressions and gestures, creating a comical and exaggerated effect that delighted audiences.

Over the centuries, the commedia dell'arte evolved and changed, incorporating new elements and styles. In the 17th and 18th centuries, it became more refined and sophisticated, with a greater emphasis on plot and character development. However, it also faced challenges from newer forms of entertainment, such as opera and ballet, which began to gain popularity in the same period.

Despite these challenges, the commedia dell'arte continued to thrive in some parts of Europe, particularly in Italy and France. In the 20th century, it experienced a revival, with new productions and adaptations being created. This revival was led by a group of artists and performers who sought to reclaim the essence of the commedia dell'arte and bring it to a modern audience.

Today, the commedia dell'arte is celebrated as a vital part of European cultural heritage. Its influence can be seen in many other theatrical forms, including clowning, mime, and physical theatre. Its masks continue to be used in contemporary performances, and its themes and characters remain relevant to contemporary society.

In conclusion, the commedia dell'arte is a remarkable theatrical tradition that emerged from Italy in the early modern period. Its iconic masks, skilled performers, and political and social commentary have made it one of the most famous theatrical genres in history. Despite facing challenges from newer forms of entertainment, the commedia dell'arte has survived and evolved, and its influence can still be seen in contemporary theatre and culture.

Weight: 548g
Dimension: 151 x 229 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108994088