1400 -1600 A.D. - PowerPoint Presentation

Slide1

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 troups 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