Commedia Dell'Arte: An Actor's Handbook

<p>There has been an enormous revival of interest in Commedia dell'arte. And it remians a central part of many drama school courses. In <em>Commedia dell'arte in the Twentieth Century</em> John Rublin first examines the orgins of this vital theatrical form and charts its recent revival through the work of companies like Tag Theatre de Complicite and the influential methods of Jacques Lecoq. The second part of the book provides a unique practical guide for would-be practitioners: demonstrating how to approach the roles of Zanni Arlecchion Brighella Pantalone Dottore and the Lovers in terms of movement mask-work and voice. As well as offering a range of <em>lazzi</em> or comic business improvisation exercises sample monologuesand dialogues. No other book so clearly outlines the specific culture of Commedia or provides such a practical guide to its techniques. This immensely timely and useful handbook will be an essential purchase for all actors students and teachers.</p>