Where do I find resources on Commedia Dell'Arte, or stock characters in theater?

Question

I am writing a research paper on the appearance of Commedia Dell'Arte in modern theater. (Commedia Dell'Arte is a medeval form of theater in which each actor plays the same stereotypical character throughout their career). There isn't a whole lot of information on the subject available, so if anyone has any information on this topic, or information on theatrical stereotypical characters in general, I would appreciate some guidance. Thanks!

Any recomendations for books to use? I can't find it online anywhere bur wikipedia.

Answer 1

Try looking up some of the stock characters, like jester, buffoon, heroine, etc. Melodrama is a result from Commedia Del Arte. It is an excellent way to introduce theatre to students from 3rd to 8th grade.

I have a program that contains stock characters for creating a play (www.dramatica.com). It is fun and educational.

Answer 2

One difficulty with Italian Comedia Del'Arte is that, as you suggested, the characters are many times an analogous by using the stream. This served to help the objective audience % out on the instant with one in each of those character being portrayed. In "Servant of two Masters", Beatrice is the clever lady, which isn't precisely a classic Comedia Del'Arte type. She is extra advantageous than ingenue and not the shrewish spouse. If performed closer to ingenue, you need to be notably on the element of character.

Answer 3

In the library or on line. Just search Commedia dell arte. by the way it is Rennaissance, not Medieval Try theatre history books.

Answer 4

Here is a link to 2 great books on the subject. If you search Questia, you'll probably find several more.