The Italian Commedia and Please be Gentle

by David Griffiths

Overview

Focusing on Commedia Dell'Arte, this work provides a historical and critical commentary of the Commedia. It highlights common factors between this genre and that of the Japanese Noh theatre. The author proposes six similarities: characters familiar to their audience and masked, minimal properties and scenery with the focus on the actor, the "families" of performers, a sharp mind as well as an agile body, a professional living on these skills and patronage, and a knowledgeable audience. Complementing this book is the play "Please Be Gentle" which explores the various tricks and devices of Commedia Dell'Arte acting.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9783718657186
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	05/13/1998
Series:	Mask Series: A Release of Acting Resources
Pages:	120
Product dimensions:	6.12(w) x 9.19(h) x (d)

About the Author

David Griffiths

Table of Contents

Introduction; Ancient Greece to Molière; Stock Characters; The Scenarios; Improvisation; Please Be Gentle: An introduction; Please Be Gentle Appendix: Making a leather mask