LAZZI

Question 1

What is lazzi?

Answer 1

Lazzi are essentially “gags” or stock jokes which can be added into a commedia dell’arte play or performance in order to ensure the comic action keeps pace.
Lazzi - a repeated action or line that is always used in the same place at the same time to establish character or to let the audience know what is about to happen.

Question 2

Describe Lazzo of the Chase

Answer 2

With a drawn sword, the Captain chases Coviello. They remain on the stage in a stationary position as they mime running, each slightly out of reach of the other. As they run, each begins to acknowledge the audience’s response

Question 3

Describe Lazzo of the Chairs

Answer 3

Brandino is guarding Ottavio as they both sit in chairs. Attempting to escape, Ottavio moves his chair slightly. Brandino follows. Ottavio drags his chair halfway across the stage with Brandino in pursuit. They smile at each other as the bid to escape continues.

Question 4

Descibe Lazzo of the luggage

Answer 4

Arriving in the city, the Captain and Burattino both carry heavy luggage. The Captain asks Burattino if he can hold onto his luggage for a minute and starts to walk away. Burattino replies that he has to tie his shoe and gives the Captain all the luggage, who promptly throws it back at Burattino.

Question 5

Describe Lazzo of looking everywhere and finding

nothing

Answer 5

Zanni is asked to find an object or person right in front of him. Looking everywhere but at that spot, Zanni announces that it’s not there.

Question 6

Descibe Lazzo of learning french

Answer 6

The inamorata is learning French (or any other language) from an instructor, and every word which she is taught sounds like a swear word, appalling her.
Shakespeare used this lazzo in Henry V Act 3 Sc 4 where the French Princess Katharine is learning English and is offended at being taught words like ‘foot’ and ‘gown’ which sound obscene in her own language.