What are the characteristics of Arlecchino?

Physically, Arlecchino is described as wearing a costume covered in irregular patches, a hat outfitted with either a rabbit or fox’s tail, and a red and black mask. The mask itself is identified by carbuncles on the forehead, small eyes, a snub nose, hollow cheeks, and sometimes bushy brows with facial hair.

What does a Harlequin represent?

Harlequin, Italian Arlecchino, French Arlequin, one of the principal stock characters of the Italian commedia dell’arte; often a facile and witty gentleman’s valet and a capricious swain of the serving maid.

What is Zanni personality?

Zanni were valet buffoons, clowns, and knavish jacks-of-all-trades. All possessed common sense, intelligence, pride, and a love of practical jokes and intrigue. They were, however, often quarrelsome, cowardly, envious, spiteful, vindictive, and treacherous.

Which animal is Arlecchino character usually associated with?

Arlecchino is one of the youngest characters of the comedy and the use of this character in the Commedia dell’Arte has been traced back to as early as 1593. Arlecchino’s usual role is that of a faithful valet or servant, but in this context he is also the clown, the acrobat providing lots of comic relief!

What props does Arlecchino use?

Instead, great use was made of props including animals, food, furniture, watering devices, and weapons. The character Arlecchino bore two sticks tied together, which made a great noise on impact.

What are the characteristics of Commedia?

Another characteristic of commedia dell’arte is pantomime, which is mostly used by the character Arlecchino (Harlequin). The characters of the commedia usually represent fixed social types and stock characters, such as foolish old men, devious servants, or military officers full of false bravado.

What are the main features of a commedia performance?

The characters were very over the top and caricatured.

MINIMALISTIC SET. The set was minimalistic because they were often street performances, which did not allow for a complicated set.
IMPROVISATION. The actors improvised the performances.
PHYSICAL THEATRE.
MASKS.
MUSIC, DANCE, ACROBATICS.
LAZZI.

What is Pantalone personality?

He is also described as being petty, and he never forgets or forgives even the smallest things. Pantalone is characterized as loving his money and having emotional extremes. With his sinister and often inhumane treatment towards his fellows, Pantalone is perceived to be a pivotal part of commedia.

What animal is Zanni?

The name ‘Zanni’ is a diminutive of Venetian name ‘Giovanni’ (John) and we get our English word ‘zany’ from this, which gives you an idea of the nature of this character! The Zanni character was a buffoon or clown and known in those days as a simpleton or ‘stupid incompetent fool’!

What makes Arlecchino a good character to play?

Arlecchino is a very ethereal character. The actor who plays him should be very acrobatic and capable of a wide variety of movement. Arlecchino is always moving. His knees are bent giving him a low center of gravity. Despite his lowness, he should appear as though he could spring up into the air at a moments notice.

Who is Arlecchino in commedia dell’arte?

In Commedia dell’Arte, Arlecchino is a shape shifting servant to Pantalone, Il Capitano or Il Dottore. It is a crafty low status character. Arlecchino tries to trick his patrons out of money, but usually fails. He is very quick, acrobatic and limber.

What kind of Servant is Arlecchino in Il Capitano?

STATUS Arlecchino is a shape shifting servant to Pantalone, Il Capitano or Il Dottore. A crafty low status character, Arlecchino tries to trick his patrons out of money, but usually fails. Arlecchino is very quick, acrobatic and limber. He’s not as intelligent as Brighella, but he is not as stupid as…

What kind of costume does the Arlecchino wear?

These warriors, it was believed, would rise from the dead to play tricks on the living. Arlecchino’s costume is tight with multi-colored patches in either symmetrical or random patterns. He wears a black belt and a slapstick. A slapstick is made from two thin strips of wood that are seperated by a half inch piece of wood connected to the handle.