Commedia dell'arte

This week we had some fun in pairs applying various slapstick elements into short skits.  As you know now, 'slapstick' comes from the use of Arlechinno's batocchio (slapstick) in commedia dell'arte.

Today's assignment, due Tuesday, March 5, 2013, is to create a poster/presentation for two commedia dell'arte characters.  Check with me to confirm which two you are doing, as there is to be no duplication.

The rubric is for both form (Communication in both poster and oral presentation) and content (Knowledge/Understanding of Information as presented on the poster and orally).  It is posted on the wall by the class folder.

Remember that you must have three sources of information cited.  Do not hesitate to check the encyclopedia in the library in the Reference section (to the left when you enter).  There are also theatre history books that may contain exactly what you want and need.

A basic intro to commedia dell'arte and its influence on our culture: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqlfTG40RUI&list=PL373C98BA3DB5F749

Here is Didi Hopkins of commediaworks with students learning about the characters' 'shapes':
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJEwuurzDe4&list=PL373C98BA3DB5F749

and speaking 'gromalot': http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gTs9xWJcgg&list=PL373C98BA3DB5F749

Here are some sites you may wish to check out for academic erudition:

http://www.theatrehistory.com/italian/commedia_dell_arte_001.html

http://www.theatredatabase.com/16th_century/commedia_dell_arte_001.html


and, of course, for a look at slapstick fun:

Charlie Chaplin in jail from Modern Times  and roller-skating in the department store

Buster Keaton--some stunts from The General--'mechanical gags'