Of the many contributions Italy has made to world theatre, the Commedia dell'arte remains the one of the most widely known and admired. Its influence on the work of pioneers of modern theatre, like Craig, Meyerhold, Reinhardt, and Copeau and of modern ballet and opera, like Diaghilev, Stravinsky and Prokofiev, was substantial and it continues to be an inspiration in the theatre today. It flourished for well over two hundred years, from the mid 16th century to the mid 18th century, and exercised a wide influence throughout Europe, from England to Spain, to Sweden, Poland and Russia. Yet even though we have been left a rich visual record, and great range and variety of documentary materials, the Commedia dell'arte remains in many respects elusive. What were its origins? Was it from the beginning dominated by the masked players? How much of it was improvised, and what were the nature and techniques of the improvization the players practised? This illustrated documentary history brings together a large selection of some the most important documents illustrative of the activities of the Italian companies - including letters, contracts and descriptions of players and performances, as well as examples of scenarii, lazzi, dialogues and soliloquies. Each group of documents is prefaced by an introductory account designed to place the documents in context and provide an overview of the history and characteristics of the Commedia dell'arte.

The Commedia Dell'Arte: A Documentary History

Literature & Fiction

Richards, Laura

Richards, Kenneth

Literary

Blackwell Pub.

<p>A boy is born to loving Christian parents. They raise him right and teach him right from wrong. But, when he becomes a man he goes his own sinful way. While he is out there playing with his very life Satan introduces him to crack cocaine. His life becomes a living hell and he almost dies out there. But he remembered that his mama had taught him to pray. And then just before the devil takes my life...God reaches down and pulls me up out of the deep fecal matter that my life has become...sets my feet on solid ground.</p>

INSIDE OUT

Religion & Spirituality

Independently published

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