Commedia Comes to Town
Commedia Dell`Arte is an ancient form of theatre originating in Italy
in the 1700`s. It is the ancestor of modern day pantomime. The central
characters use masks and are modelled on stereotypes found in most walks
of life, the most famous being that of Arlecchino, who later became known
as Harlequin. Charioteer Theatre has held two Theatre Laboratories on
this wonderful form, led by internationally renowned Giorgio Bongiovanni.
This production is the fruit of these laboratories. Commedia Comes
to Town is a fast moving comedy incorporating ridiculous plots, music
and audience interaction. The script is based on The Servant Of Two
Masters by Carlo Goldoni, and is directed by Giorgio Bongiovanni and
Laura Pasetti. It is suitable for all age groups and runs for 1hr 20mins
with a short interval. 6 actors will present themselves as a group of
actors in 1700, arriving in town and getting ready to perform a comedy.
In the first part, the audience will see the actors preparing for the
show, revealing their daily lives, their relationships with each other
and their manager, and the mixed blessings of an artists life in the 1700s.
The actors interact with the audience, and introduce them to the masks
and the basic elements of this craft. In the second part the actors perform
the show.