From Jim Henson’s Muppets to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, one of theater’s most influential art forms continues to shape how we tell stories on stage and screen. The theatrical style known as commedia dell’arte didn’t just influence the likes of William Shakespeare; it created character archetypes we still see in sitcoms, superhero movies, and beyond.
The Italian commedia dell’arte is a type of theater characterized by masked performers, character archetypes, improvisation, and an everyman perspective.
Commedia dell’arte characteristics
Archetypal characters: From lovestruck youths to jesters wishing to impress their lords and kings, these improvised stories use archetypes to allow audiences to easily grasp each character’s position in the plot and storyworld.
Costumes: Performers wear distinctive masks and outfits to represent specific character types.
Improvisational: Rather than following strict scripts, actors follow loose plot structures—usually involving a struggle between master and servant characters and a forbidden love match—as they riff and interact with the audience.
Universal: Stories of love, misunderstanding, classism, and hope are told from the perspective of an ordinary person in opposition to greater forces and rulers.
Comedic: Using an eclectic combination of wordplay, wit, slapstick, and pantomime, these shows could make audiences from Florence to Paris howl with laughter.
Characters of commedia dell’arte
The main types of stock characters in commedia dell’arte are il Capitano, Innamorati, Vecchi, and Zanni.
Il Capitano (the captains) are boastful military officers or leaders, like Zapp Brannigan from “Futurama.”
Innamorati (the lovers) are young, often star-crossed high-class romantics, like Romeo and Juliet.
Vecchi (the elderly ones) can be Pantalone (wealthy, greedy misers, like Scrooge McDuck), il Dottore (pompous learned scholars or doctors, like Frasier Crane), or la Ruffiana (old gossipy matchmakers, like Nurse from “Romeo and Juliet”).
Zanni (the servants) fall into the categories of Arlecchino/Harlequin (witty but foolish servants, like Bugs Bunny), Brighella (cunning, sometimes cruel servants, like Littlefinger from “Game of Thrones”), Pulcinella (cynical, self-interested servants, like Mr. Punch from “Punch and Judy”), and Colombina (clever female servants who help young lovers unite, like Margaret from “Much Ado About Nothing”).
History of commedia dell’arte
Commedia dell’arte can be traced back to the Atellan Farces of Rome in 300 B.C. It became especially popular during the Renaissance, and would ultimately be used as a tool of social change. During the Carnival of Venice, it was used to bring together citizens from all walks of life to rally behind causes that served the people. This power became so evident that during the Napoleonic era, all commedia dell’arte and carnival troupes were banned after citizens donned troupe character masks to protest French occupation.
Today, commedia dell’arte has become both a form of study and a keystone in theatrical history. While you might not find the pompous Vecchi or desirous Innamorati on every stage today, these character types live on in some of our most beloved productions on stage and screen.
The Muppets: Just like the laborers of modernist Italy looking up at the brightly colored diamond-patterned garb of the Harlequin, we too are gripped and guffaw at the gang comprising Henson’s Muppets, which are practically a modern-day commedia dell’arte troupe.
- Il Capitano: Sam Eagle
- Innamorati: Kermit and Miss Piggy
- Vecchi: Statler and Waldorf
- Zanni: Beaker
Marvel Cinematic Universe: In their stand-alone films, characters such as Iron Man and Captain America represent archetypal heroes—but putting these larger-than-life personalities together allowed them to follow classic commedia dell’arte dynamics.
- Il Capitano: Dr. Strange
- Innamorati: Vison and Wanda
- Vecchi: Iron Man
- Zanni: Korg
1. How to portray stock characters
Yes, commedia dell’arte is rife with stereotypes, many of which are harmful—but it also provides a comprehensive view on the voices and faces that have intrigued audiences for hundreds (if not thousands) of years. The trick is to modernize your stock character with a nuanced, complex performance.
2. Improvisational skills
Performers in this theatrical style need to be able to think on their feet. Studying commedia dell’arte performances can help you develop improv skills, including how to make up something on the spot that feels both funny and true.
3. Physical comedy
Commedia dell’arte’s emphasis on movement and gestures offers many lessons in mastering comic timing through body language.
4. Versatility
Every good actor should have many faces (or masks) they’re able to take on so they can nail an audition and delve into a role. Explore numerous styles and genres, find a voice you didn’t even know you had, and grab attention like Zanni!