Commedia VT
We are a VT based Commedia dell' arte troupe that consists of former members of Effeto Meraviglioso, a previous VT based troupe, and a large group of wonderful newcomers. See our current cast hereWe attempt to create vital shows incorporating the basics of Commedia from its historical roots into a modern form focusing on stock character voices, physicality, mask work and character interaction.

Commedia dell' arte, the "comedy of the artist", was a style of theatre that flourished in the 16th and 17th century in Italy and spread throughout Europe. It contained stock situations, improvised scenes and stock characters, most of whom wore masks. The performers were members of troupes who lived together and worked together. Their stories spoke to every class and were very popular. While Commedia is not performed in its historical context today in many places, its influence can be seen in Shakespeare, Moliere, Charlie Chaplin, cartoons and sitcoms.

In Commedia actors rely on their improvisation aptitude and bodies to affect the audience. The substance of the show needs to be something the audience can relate to and it should be entertaining. When actors themselves are the performers, directors, playwrights as well as the critics the work is unique to most modern theatre participants. Our process for this project is to create a cohesive, supportive and creative environment for safely exploring all aspects of commedia and make all actors participants in their development as well as that of the scenario.

Our Development
The first weeks, known as Building Blocks, wwe tried to give all members a basis to work from for all productions as a troupe also allowing them to develop skills relating to any theatrical endeavour. We each work on trying to develop a "bag of tricks" and knowledge of all characters. We try to build trust and rapport amongst players which is necessary for a successful exploration as each performer must feel safe to try all new directions of this joyful and risky style.

We began our journey to create our first work by examining and morphing the foundations of Commedia and discovering the basics of voice and physical aspects of stock characters.

Another very important aspect is the mask work. To view the mask as other than a prop, but as a sacred extension of the character and thus the actor is important in adding to the repertoire of Commedic actors and a necessary component of our training. We also delve into another aspect of mask work, the ideas and psychological concepts it presents to those with no physical mask. Each member then created a physical mask to use in further rehearsals and on stage using "Friendly Plastic".

Physicality is another building block to be utilized as Commedia has specific general movements and character movements. Lazzi, a well-rehearsed comic action or bit to evoke laughter, often have slapstick physicality or no verbal component. We have worked and will continue find ways to incorporate these with the masks and character voices into entertaining and character appropriate bits.

Our Hopes

The goal of each scenario is to show Commedia dell' arte to our audience, make them laugh and hopefully find the satirical nature enlightening.

By the process and performance we hope to bring enjoyment and understanding to all involved as well as to create a group of individuals working on a cohesive and creative troupe to continue to bring an often unseen aesthetic to our community.