The Zanni - Commedia Notes Flashcards
Zanni Status
Lower servants
Zanni origin
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
Zanni costume
Baggy, white flour sacks
Zanni props
Always have something that belongs to someone else
Zanni stance
Low, arched back, shifting weight poining one foot out and bobbing head, arms lifted halfway and bent, vertical sleeping
Little Zanni walk
knees bent, feet up and out, head pecking like chicken, arms bent
Big Zanni walk
butt out, chest up, arms alternating with steps (when you think someone sees you) - scythe-like arms
Zanni Run
big zanni but running basically
Jubilant Zanni
skipping, hands on belt, head independent and happy poopy
Vain Zanni
chicken strut, hands on belt
Soldier Zanni
mime rifle over shoulder, shoulders in 1-2, feet in 1-2-3
Zanni long nose mean what
MORE STUPID!!!
Zanni plot role
create confusion
Zanni characteristic
always nervous, strong survival instinct, always hungry, leads with nose, maybe bird?
Arlecchino Status
Servant, usually to Pantalone but also sometimes to Il Capitano and Il Dottore, second zanni if Brighella is present, otherwise first
Arlecchino Costume
patchwork
Arlecchino props
slapstick (battochino)
Arlecchino stance
same as Zanni, but feet always on the floor + fourth position.
Arlecchino Walks
Zanni but more ballet-like + shuffling
Arlecchino Animal
Cat/Monkey, sometimes fox
Arlecchino characteristics
Smarter than a zanni, but not smart enough to carry out plans
Arlecchino movement
nimble and agile
Brighella Status
highest of the Zanni, maitre dā type, more serious
Brighella Costume
white w/ some green, green thing hanging, belt with purse and dagger, fun little green and white hat.
