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This thesis will explore the application of comemdia dell'arte technique to a contemporary performance. UCF's spring 2005 production of Molière's The Trickeries of Scapin will serve as a resource in both commedia dell'arte's ability to resonate with a modern audience as well as an analysis of the actor's process in fusing elements of commedia dell'arte and contemporary acting techniques. This document will include a thorough description of the history and origins of commedia dell'arte in order to decipher existing elements today. Also included, will be major influences on commedia dell'arte including Greek and Roman Comedy. It is important to discuss Roman comedic playwrights Plautus and Terence as two major influences on both the style of commedia dell'arte as well as major influences on Molière and his writing. A description of both playwrights previously mentioned will be given as means to explore the similarities between the two playwrights and Molière, specifically the similarities of Terence's Phormio and Molière's The Trickeries of Scapin. In addition to exploring the history behind commedia dell'arte and Molière, this thesis will include the rehearsal process of creating a contemporary version of Molière's Zerbinette. The application of the previous two years of graduate work including studies of Laban, Linklater, and Cicely Berry will be used in creating Zerbinette's vocal and physical life in a contemporary fashion, while maintaining certain elements of the commedia dell'arte style. In concluding this thesis, the evolution of commedia dell'arte will be discussed, and how it is in existence today. Just as commedia dell'arte evolved in the seventeenth century from previous art forms, it has never stopped evolving, constantly being influenced by every generation. From Greek Comedy playwrights' such as MeNander, to Roman comedic playwrights such as Plautus and Terence, to farcical and satirist Molière, commedia dell'arte does exist today, and will be examined throughout this thesis project. |
