A Brief Overview
Jean-Antoine Watteau, Italian
Comedians, 1720
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It is
commonly accepted that Commedia dell’Arte originated as a form of street
performance during the Italian Renaissance. After finding its foundations in
the streets and marketplaces of Venice, Commedia dell’Arte rapidly spread
throughout Europe and established itself as an influential theatrical style.
However, it is evident through the various elements of Commedia dell’Arte that its origins extend far beyond the Italian Renaissance. The masks can be found in the improvised comedy of the Roman Atellan farce tradition, the mime from the Byzantine Empire, the travelling players of Medieval Europe and the Renaissance rediscovery of the works of Plautus and Terence. By the mid-1500’s Commedia dell’Arte was an established genre in its own right. The earliest known company was formed in 1545 in Padua, with troupes such as Gelosi, Confidenti and Fedeli rising to international prominence by the turn of the century. Foreign courts favoured Commedia dell’Arte troupes, especially in France, as evident in artworks by Jean-Baptiste Pater and Jean Antoine Watteau. Whatever its origins, Commedia dell'Arte is indispensable to the history of theatre, introducing the professional actor into Europe and shaping modern theatrical styles. |