Commedia dell'Arte: A Historical Overview

Commedia dell'arte was a blend of literary societies and street performers, bridging the gap between the palace and the street. It was a popular form of theater that included everyone in society and laid the foundation for European theater. Actors were multi-talented, serving as authors, editors, and performers, and worked in democratic troupes where everyone was paid. It was the first time women appeared on stage. Audience interaction was crucial, with performances being improvised from basic outlines. Lazzi, or comic business, added humor and direction to scenes. Commedia has influenced many theater styles, from Shakespeare to modern sitcoms, and serves as a template for understanding character.

In what ways did the structure of commedia dell'arte performances differ from traditional theater?

What was the impact of lazzi on the storytelling in commedia dell'arte?