Commedia Dell'arte workshop

We had a commedia dell'arte workshop which a man came into the school and informed us on the basics of the practice of commedia
Commedia is a form of Italian comedy.
It didn't have elaborate sets and it was most times, very minimalistic. The settings mainly used to be in the city centre or the market.Instead, great use was made of props including animals, food, furniture and weapons. 

Stock characters:

• Zanni - Lowest of the low, the foolish one with the Servant status and always unfortunate. Costume is often baggy and composed of White flour or potato sacks. This character's mask is always the one with the longest nose (to represent foolishness), The longer the Zanni's nose, the more stupid he is. Always crouching, even when he walks. Sometimes even sleeps whilst still standing up. Zanni's actions are always urgent. He appears nervous, talks a lot, his head moves constantly. The nose defines the rhythm of his body since it is the centre of his actions. The hands are very expressive and constantly used to illustrate what he is saying. All Zanni's bodily functions instantly and loudly make themselves known.

• The Lovers - Male and female lover, Always either in deep love or have deep hatred, The lovers can never touch and are naturally of high status, but that is brought low due to their love for one another. They had no particular costume, but dressed in the latest fashion of the period to which they belonged. They also wore no masks, But wore heavy make up, Mascara and beauty spots for both sexes.  They are in love with themselves being in love.

• Capitano - Self-appointed:  if (and it’s a big if) he ever held the rank of captain, he was long since stripped of it. One of an actor’s first duties as a Capitano is to invent a new name and lineage, preferably several lines long. Bluff Spanish Soldier/Mercenary (loner) always from some place else. Large character, whether physically or egotistically, he is a large presence on stage. Designed to attract attention from women and intimidate men. Always has a Sword that he never actually uses for fighting. Four types:
  1.) Politic – if the Turks invade, be becomes a Turk.
  2.) Total Coward – shits himself and plays dead.
  3.) Really courageous, but a danger only to himself and his own side when he fights.
  4.) Non-masked, Il’Cavaliere – thinks he’s good-looking and God’s gift to women. 

• Pantalone - Top of pecking order.  Money.  Controls finance in the character world of Commedia is therefore his orders are usually obeyed.  Employer, Father, Godfather.Wore red tights, a red vest, and a black ankle-length coat. Wore a dark brown mask with a hooked nose. Quite mischievous and scheming and always wants money.

This workshop was very fun and thought us a lot about Commedia dell'arte that we didn't know because we got involved and even wore some of the masks