Commedia Dell Arte

Just sit right back and you'll hear a tale,
A tale of a fateful troupe,
That started in the Renaissance
And worked the Italian loop.

A band of actors traveled round
The medieval countryside
Performing comic skits and such
with acrobatic pride.

No sets! No lights! No stage at all,
But masks and costumes, yes!
Stock characters and scenarios
were popular, they'd confess.

So join in this artistic quest,
You're sure to get a laugh
With Pulchinella, Il Dottore, too,
Pantalone and his wife.
The Lovers, Clowns, and the rest
Are living the Commedia life!

What is the importance of Commedia Dell'Arte
in the evolution of theatre?
Do the traditions of Commedia Dell'Arte
continue to impact theatre in the present day?
What IS Commedia Dell'Arte?


Join this adventure to explore the origins of Commedia,
the characters and cannavacio,
and find out what Commedia is all about!