The Zanni - Commedia Notes

Question 1

Zanni Status

Answer 1

Lower servants

Question 2

Zanni origin

Answer 2

Bermagese peasant from the country - there was a famine in the countryside when Venice took over Bergamo so they had to migrate to the city states and become workers who just basically run errands

Question 3

Zanni costume

Answer 3

Baggy, white flour sacks

Question 4

Zanni props

Answer 4

Always have something that belongs to someone else

Question 5

Zanni stance

Answer 5

Low, arched back, shifting weight poining one foot out and bobbing head, arms lifted halfway and bent, vertical sleeping

Question 6

Little Zanni walk

Answer 6

knees bent, feet up and out, head pecking like chicken, arms bent

Question 7

Big Zanni walk

Answer 7

butt out, chest up, arms alternating with steps (when you think someone sees you) - scythe-like arms

Question 8

Zanni Run

Answer 8

big zanni but running basically

Question 9

Jubilant Zanni

Answer 9

skipping, hands on belt, head independent and happy poopy

Question 10

Vain Zanni

Answer 10

chicken strut, hands on belt

Question 11

Soldier Zanni

Answer 11

mime rifle over shoulder, shoulders in 1-2, feet in 1-2-3

Question 12

Zanni long nose mean what

Answer 12

MORE STUPID!!!

Question 13

Zanni plot role

Answer 13

create confusion

Question 14

Zanni characteristic

Answer 14

always nervous, strong survival instinct, always hungry, leads with nose, maybe bird?

Question 15

Arlecchino Status

Answer 15

Servant, usually to Pantalone but also sometimes to Il Capitano and Il Dottore, second zanni if Brighella is present, otherwise first

Question 16

Arlecchino Costume

Answer 16

patchwork

Question 17

Arlecchino props

Answer 17

slapstick (battochino)

Question 18

Arlecchino stance

Answer 18

same as Zanni, but feet always on the floor + fourth position.

Question 19

Arlecchino Walks

Answer 19

Zanni but more ballet-like + shuffling

Question 20

Arlecchino Animal

Answer 20

Cat/Monkey, sometimes fox

Question 21

Arlecchino characteristics

Answer 21

Smarter than a zanni, but not smart enough to carry out plans

Question 22

Arlecchino movement

Answer 22

nimble and agile

Question 23

Brighella Status

Answer 23

highest of the Zanni, maitre d’ type, more serious

Question 24

Brighella Costume

Answer 24

white w/ some green, green thing hanging, belt with purse and dagger, fun little green and white hat.

Question 25

Brighella Props

Answer 25

dagger, mandolin, depends on scene

Question 26

Brighella Stance

Answer 26

First position, side to side, floor is lava/quick feet, waiter napkin arm, other typical zanni or behind

Question 27

Brighella Walks

Answer 27

Torso bends, head stays in place. Also flicks knees.

Question 28

Brighella Animal

Answer 28

Half dog, half chicken

Question 29

Brighella Characteristics

Answer 29

astute, humourous, quick-witted. amoral but not evil. behind the MISCHIEF. little thief man. a bit of a cunt.