History of European Theater Podcast: Episode 83 - Commedia Dell'arte Players and Troupes

Overview

• Focus: Commedia Dell'arte players, their organization, and life as traveling troupes.
• Context: Italy and France during the Renaissance.

Life of Traveling Players

• Performance Style:
  • Joyous, slapstick, acrobatic comedy.
• Social Standing:
  • Often lauded by royalty but viewed with suspicion outside royal protection.
  • Required local permissions from town lawmakers concerned with public morals.
  • Women in troupes faced stigma, seen as prostitutes with male performers as pimps.
• Troop Composition: Typically 7 men and 2 women.

Success and Challenges

• Though popular, many struggled for permissions and faced moral scrutiny.
• Prominent troops navigated these challenges better and achieved notable success.

Key Troupes and Figures

Galossi Troop

• Founding: Early standard-setting troupe in Italy and France.
  • Founded by Alberto Nacelli (Zan Ganassa).
• Leadership: Later led by Flaminio Scala (Flavio), organized scenarios, and emphasized physical performance.
• Notable Performances: Invited to perform for royalty across Europe, including France and England, despite occasional political and social challenges.

Key Figures

Zan Ganassa

• Background: Began in Mantua in 1568; first troupe to travel abroad.
• Influence: Significant in France and Spain; contributed to the construction of permanent theaters.

Flaminio Scala (Flavio)

• Role: Actor and manager; documented many plot scenarios; led the Galossi after Nacelli.
• Contributions: Evolved physical performance style; ensured signature moves and features for each character.

Francesco Andreini

• Background: Soldier turned actor; captured by Turks, learned languages and instruments.
• Role: Lead and director of Galossi; created Captain Spavento role.
• Personal Life: Married Isabella Cannellini; acted in and managed the Galossi.

Isabella Andreini

• Talents: Linguist, performed emotional and convincing roles, cross-dressing roles.
• Achievements: Enhanced the young lover role, influential in the troupe's success.
• Death: Died in 1604; was honored with poems and memorials; young lover character named 'Isabella' as tribute.

Vittoria Pissimi

• Character: Freer lifestyle than Isabella; rivalry with other actresses; less documented but influential.

Assassi Troop

• Leader: Tristano Martinelli (Harlequin).
• Influence: First recording of major Harlequin role; performed across Europe.
• Conflict: Often faced internal disputes due to favored status and role promotion.

Significant Events and Performances

• Galossi Troop:
  • Performed at royal courts across Europe - France, Italy, England.
  • Faced political challenges and internal disputes.
  • Isabella Andreini’s notable performance in plays like 'Madness'.
• Other Notable Troupes: Confidenti, Assassi, Il Fedeli, and more.
  • Contributions to the portrayal of stock characters and scenarios.
  • Many had influential women leaders or star performers.

Legacy and Influence

• Commedia Dell'arte: Set standards for European theater.
  • Actors' loyalty divided between family, troop, and personal fame.
  • Characters like Harlequin and Isabella became iconic.

Next Episode Preview

• Focus: Theater in Holland during the Renaissance.
  • Despite political and religious turmoil, a flourishing of theatrical art occurred.

Additional Information

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