The Renaissance 1330 1550 AD Began in Florence Italy Renaissance rebirth A time of fascination with philosophy literature art and science A time of Humanists Humanists were people devoted to the humanities literary culture the revival of classical letters indiv ID: 656263
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1400 -1600 A.D.
Italian RenaissanceSlide2
The Renaissance1330 – 1550 A.D.Began in Florence, Italy“Renaissance” – “rebirth”A time of fascination with philosophy, literature, art, and science.A time of HumanistsHumanists were people devoted to the humanities: literary culture, the revival of classical letters, individualistic and critical spirit, and emphasis on secular concerns.Slide3
Humanists were considered the founders of the Renaissance.
They studied the areas that were known as studia humanitatis.
The studia humanitatis was made up of 5 disciplines; grammar, rhetoric, history, literary studies and moral philosophy.HumanismSlide4
Commedia’s BeginningsItalian troupes and itinerate actors originated the style in 1500’sRemained popular for over 200 yearsNot known as Commedia dell’Arte until 1600’sThe style utilized improvisation, masks, and set plotsPerformances largely improvised. General story line posted backstage: “the plot.” Slide5
Commedia dell 'Arte
Liter
”Comedy of the Artists” Style of comedy based on improvised scenes guided by scenarios. Plays contained lots of risky humor and slapstick. These plays were meant purely for amusement. The actors were acrobats, dancers, and musicians.Slide6
Stock Characters
A character that is reused in other shows.
Had unique and recognizable masks, costumes, stature, walk, and mannerisms.Slide7
Stock CharactersExamples ofSlide8
Often a servant to Pantalone, Capitano, or DottoreAlways trying to trick master, but always failsCommedia dell ‘Arte’s Bart Simpson
ArlecchinoSlide9
Rich, old manPuts money and social class above everything elseLusts after women he can never get.PantaloneSlide10
DoctorKnows absolutely nothing about medicineRambles on so people wont know he is incompetent. DottoreSlide11
Macho manArrogant, huge ego, always braggingCoward at heart CapitanoSlide12
ColumbinaFemale Clever ServantShe was often the only functional intellect on the stage. Columbina aided her mistress, the innamorata to gain the affections of her one true love Slide13
InnamoratiUnmasked characters representing young lovers.Incapable of resolving their own problems. Slide14
CostumesCostumes were unique to the stock character.Colors reflected emotional state.Quality of costume style reflected the social status of the character.Slide15
Masks
Every stock character had a unique mask.
Made of mostly wood. (Sometimes fur, cloth, or feathers for extra character).Slide16
What Actors DidActors chose from stock characters or created their ownActors performed set comedy routines called lazziActors also showcased special talents: juggling, acrobatics, dancing or musical interludesWomen allowed to perform, taking form of innocent heroine and not-so-innocent friendSlide17
Significance of the StyleWithout the burden of recreating the work of Greek masters, commedia actors developed new physical qualities in the work.Skills in tumbling, acrobatics, contortionists, and dangerously choreographed horseplay were in demandInfluenced the work of Shakespeare, Moliere Charlie Chaplin, the Marx Brothers, Red Skelton, Buster Keaton, Laurel and Hardy, the Three Stooges, Tim Conway to name just a fewSlide18
Just a few LazziMiss the nail while hammering and hit your thumbCarpenter carries long plank on shoulders and hits his friend with the end of the plank as he turnsDrink from a water fountain and get squirted in the faceSlip on a banana peelSlide19
And a few more…Get your finger stuck in a bottlePie in the faceSpill hot coffee on your lapSit on an eggYour pants suddenly splitPlay an invisible instrumentSlide20
Performance Space
Outside in town piazzas.
Carried stage, costumes, props, equipment, etc. on horse-drawn carts. Stages were about 2 meters tall. Room under stage served as changing area. Good troupes performed at stationary theaters like Palladio's theatre in Vicenza or the Petit Bourbon. Slide21
Playwrights/Plays
Most plays were based on scenarios and then improvised.
Few full-length plays written.
Niccoló Machiavelli 1469 -1527 Wrote MandragolaSlide22
Stock PlotsMistaken identityYoung wife ( Amorosa) married to old husband (Pantaloon)Clever but dishonest servant ( Zanni or Harlequin)Bragging, but cowardly warrior warrior (Capitano)Slide23
Actors/Directors
Since most plays were improvised, directors weren’t really used.
Actors never became independently famous. Many joined acting troupes known as “Commedia Troupes”.Slide24
Today?
Improvisational games and activities
Words like zanyMany ‘Simpsons’ and other TV/Film characters are influenced by stock characters. Zanni = Homer, Pantalone = Mr. Burns, Arlecchino = Bart