Came into prominence in Italy after 1550. By the end of the 1500’s, there were troupes in other parts of Europe; by the 17th century, in all of Europe.
But it diminished after 1750 and was "dead" by 1800.
Played to all kinds of audiences in all kinds of places.
The basic story was described on a scenario – almost 800 still survive, but there is still no clear picture of the quality of the performances, although accounts say the performers were skilled.
Never achieved international prominence.
The scenario was improvised, with stock characters and lazzi, proven comic routines or comic bits).
Characters: (see drawing of "stock" characters in text)
- Pantalone – the old man, a fool
- Dottore – the doctor, a drunk or glutton
- Capitano – braggart soldier
- Inamorati – the young lovers – the only "normal" characters
- "zanni" -- foolish servants; Harlequin (or Arlecchino) was the most popular
By 1750, Italian theatre was no longer in prominence, except for the opera.
France and England became the prominent forces for world theatre.
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