Commedia Dell'arte

Commedia Dell'arte is a form of theater where actors would improvised performance scenarios and sketches based on characterized masked 'types'.

Originated in Italy in the 16tn century Commedia Dell'arte translate to 'Comedy of craft'.

The stock characters are split into 3 groups 

Vecchi

Master characters.

Pantolone

II Dottore

II Capitano

Inamorati

Young lovers 

Zanni 

The servant characters

Arlecchino:The 'Harlequin', he is Pantalone's servant. Witty and a prankster.He often uses slapstick to hit people when he can't get out of bad situations.The mask is shaped with a low forehead with a wart and small round eyes. His costume is off a diamond pattern of reds, greens, yellows and browns.

Columbina:The only female servent often employed by the Inamorati, she is charming and intelligent. She plays Arlecchinos opposite and they are often romantically  involved.

Brigghella: Scheming and mean-spirited low level merchant.He is often violent towards the other characters through the use of slapstick.