Commedia dell'arte

Lore & Background

Commedia dell'arte originated in Italy, with its genesis possibly related to Carnival in Venice. The character Il Magnifico, created by Andrea Calmo by 1570, was a precursor to the vecchio Pantalone. The tradition in northern Italy centered in Florence, Mantua, and Venice, while a Neapolitan tradition featured Pulcinella, later known as Punch in England. The first recorded performances came from Rome as early as 1551, and by 1568 the Gelosi troupe became a distinct company, adopting the two-faced Roman god Janus as their impress. Troupes such as I Gelosi, Confidenti Troupe, Desioi Troupe, and Fedeli Troupe performed commedia, often outside on platforms or in town squares, but also in court theatres and fixed venues like Teatro Baldrucca in Florence.

Reader's Guide

Commedia dell'arte's significance lies in its establishment of professional theatre with standardized masked types—such as foolish old men, devious servants, and military officers—and its pioneering use of actresses, documented as early as the 1560s. The form influenced French playwrights like Molière, who shared the stage with the Comédie-Italienne, and later evolved into more pantomimed styles at fair theatres. Its legacy includes the lazzo (a scripted joke) and pantomime, notably used by Arlecchino (Harlequin). The term 'commedia dell'arte' itself was coined in the mid-18th century, and the form's scenarios, published by Flaminio Scala around the start of the 17th century, helped legitimize and preserve it. Despite attempts to trace its origins to Roman Atellan Farces or medieval prototypes, no certainty of origin has been established.

Did You Know?

• Commedia dell'arte was formerly called Italian comedy in English.
• The character Arlecchino is now better known as Harlequin.
• The first recorded commedia dell'arte performances came from Rome as early as 1551.
• Lucrezia Di Siena, named in a contract from 10 October 1564, is referred to as the first Italian actress known by name.