This week, the Cultural Infusion theatre group entertained the Junior School Italian students with their commedia dell’arte based show named ‘Il Capitano’.
The students thoroughly enjoyed viewing the production which featured a crazy plot centred on the great Capitano, a braggart who returns from the war a hero and prepares to marry Colombina, the daughter of the wealthy Pantalone. The show also included other commedia stock characters such as the zany Arlecchino, the unscrupulous Scaramouche, and the cantankerous old Dottore.
Commedia dell’arte is an Italian theatrical form that thrived throughout Europe from the 16th through to the 18th century. ‘Il Capitano’ included many elements and characters of the traditional commedia dell’arte style of theatre such as the romantic storyline, cheesy jokes, improvisation, physical comedy, singing, and traditional masks. Commedia dell’arte has close links to the Venetian Carnevale and is still referenced in many contemporary comedic productions.
The students delighted in seeing a modern interpretation honouring this important theatrical style and have connected authentically with its specific purpose.
Type on the line above then press the Enter/Return key to submit a new search query