Commedia del' Arte Two

Subject: Drama
Level: Secondary
Age Group: 14 - 16
Order Number: 5199

Commedia del' Arte Two introduces students to five characters from the Commedia canon; Il Dottore, Pulcinella, Columbine, Pantalone and Isabella. We see how the characters appear, how they would act and their function in a standard commedia plot.

Il Dottore is one of the social elite. He claims to be educated and has the appearance of superiority. Pantalone is rich. He is driven by the fear of losing his money and always has his purse with him. Pulcinella coasts through life. He is melancholy and philosophical. The beloved of Harlequin, Columbine was often the witty and bright servant to someone of class. Isabella is dressed well. This shows her status and station in life. Her appearance, as that of the other female Columbine, is more realistic than the other characters for they wear set masks and the women don't.

The scripting of this resource allows for a diversity of approach in the drama classroom. Each character has a monologue of his or her own allowing for the basic character traits to be explored. There are moments of dialogue for students to explore how these characters would interact or the whole script can be performed in its entirety providing a sense of how a plot line would unfold. In this way, students can see the 'lazzi' or the comic complication of the story line around which the action revolves.