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WorksheetsHistory of Theatre: Commedia Dell'Arte Quiz
Total questions: 10
Worksheet time: 5mins
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
