The World of Harlequin: A Critical Study of the Commedia dell' Arte
The commedia dell'arte was an improvised drama performed by masked players. How did the actors react to these demands and limitations? What force kept this form of theatre alive for more than two centuries and made Harlequin such a potent image? In this study of the commedia dell'arte, originally published in 1987, Professor Nicoll's concern is not to provide an historical survey of its origins or to trace the ascent and descent of Harlequin or any or any other character or 'mask', but rather to explore critically the answers to these and related questions. His arguments are based on the evidence of the play scenarios and contemporary documents as far as possible, and are illuminated by many illustrations that are either little-known or had not previously been reproduced.
1111442641
The World of Harlequin: A Critical Study of the Commedia dell' Arte
The commedia dell'arte was an improvised drama performed by masked players. How did the actors react to these demands and limitations? What force kept this form of theatre alive for more than two centuries and made Harlequin such a potent image? In this study of the commedia dell'arte, originally published in 1987, Professor Nicoll's concern is not to provide an historical survey of its origins or to trace the ascent and descent of Harlequin or any or any other character or 'mask', but rather to explore critically the answers to these and related questions. His arguments are based on the evidence of the play scenarios and contemporary documents as far as possible, and are illuminated by many illustrations that are either little-known or had not previously been reproduced.
53.99 In Stock
The World of Harlequin: A Critical Study of the Commedia dell' Arte

The World of Harlequin: A Critical Study of the Commedia dell' Arte

by Allardyce Nicoll
The World of Harlequin: A Critical Study of the Commedia dell' Arte

The World of Harlequin: A Critical Study of the Commedia dell' Arte

by Allardyce Nicoll

Overview

The commedia dell'arte was an improvised drama performed by masked players. How did the actors react to these demands and limitations? What force kept this form of theatre alive for more than two centuries and made Harlequin such a potent image? In this study of the commedia dell'arte, originally published in 1987, Professor Nicoll's concern is not to provide an historical survey of its origins or to trace the ascent and descent of Harlequin or any or any other character or 'mask', but rather to explore critically the answers to these and related questions. His arguments are based on the evidence of the play scenarios and contemporary documents as far as possible, and are illuminated by many illustrations that are either little-known or had not previously been reproduced.

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9780521291323
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Publication date: 03/01/1987
Edition description: Revised ed.
Pages: 260
Product dimensions: 0.08(w) x 0.12(h) x 0.55(d)

Table of Contents

List of illustrations; 1. Prologue - Hamlet and Harlequin; 2. The comedy of skill; 3. The four masks; 4. The rest of the cast; 5. The comic scene; 6. Triumph and decline; 7. Epilogue; 8. Bibliography; 9. Notes; 10. Index.
From the B&N Reads Blog
Page 1 of

Customer Reviews