The Italian Comedy

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The roots of the Italian commedia dell’arte can be traced back to the Atellanae Fabulae, the popular farces of ancient Rome, and its modern descendants can be seen in the antics of comic figures like Charles Chaplin. This unique institution was a perfected theater of improvisation, producing some of the most memorable characters in theatrical history, including Harlequin, Punch, the Doctor, and Pantaloon, who dominated European theater for three centuries. The commedia has inspired writers, composers, and artists such as Lope de Vega, Moliére, Cézanne, and Picasso. This significant study examines the origins, development, and impact of the commedia dell’arte, detailing its improvisations, staging, masks, scenarios, acting troupes, and iconic characters. The English translation published in 1929 has been out of print for decades, leaving a gap for scholars and theater enthusiasts. This republication restores Duchartre’s work, featuring over 200 original illustrations and a new pictorial supplement with rare engravings. Reviews of the original edition praised it as a valuable sourcebook and an entertaining yet scholarly treatment of a pivotal moment in comedic history. Its return is expected to greatly benefit those in the field, earning appreciation from professionals and enthusiasts alike.