History of Theatre: Commedia Dell'Arte Quiz

What does the Italian term Commedia Dell'Arte roughly translate to?

• Comedy of Sighs

• Comedy of Skill or Professional Artists

• Comedy of the People

• Comedy of Masks

What is the name given to the established, instantly recognisable characters (like Pantalone or Arlecchino)?

• Protagonists

• Narrators

• Stock Characters (Tipi Fissi)

• Supernumeraries

Which Commedia character is the miserly, elderly master, known for his long beak-like mask and red costume?

• Il Dottore

• Il Capitano

• Pantalone

• Arlecchino

What is a Lazzo in Commedia Dell'Arte?

• The main plot of the story.

• A written script that actors follow strictly.

• A piece of pre-planned, comic stage business or physical joke.

• The tragic ending of a scenario.

Which group of characters wore no masks and represented the young lovers, whose relationship was the typical focus of the plot?

• The Zanni (Servants)

• The Old Masters

• The Innamorati (Lovers)

• The Captains

Commedia Dell'Arte performances relied heavily on actors improvising around a basic plot outline. What was this plot outline called?

• The Script

• The Monologue

• The Scenario

• The Blocking

Which character is the famous, acrobatic, quick-witted servant (Zanni) known for his diamond-patterned costume?

• Pantalone

• Il Dottore

• Arlecchino (Harlequin)

• Pierrot

Which group of Commedia characters are known as the Masters?

• Arlecchino and Brighella

• Pantalone and Il Dottore

• Columbina and Isabella

• The Innamorati

The Commedia performers were among the first people in theatre history to do what for their living?

• Build their own theatres.

• Write plays for the King.

• Travel as professional, paid actors.

• Design their own costumes.

Which character is the bragging but cowardly soldier, often dressed in a flamboyant uniform?

• Pantalone

• Arlecchino

• Capitano

• Pulcinella