The traditions of Commedia dell'Arte and Greek theatre are still continued in Italian comedy today.
Commedia dell'Arte (literally translated as 'Artistic Comedy'), dates back to the 16th century. It can be described as a comical theatre presentation performed by professional actors who travelled around Italy. The travelling acting groups performed mostly in city streets, and sometimes in court venues. The more famous troupes such as the Fedeli and Confidenti, even performed in palaces and reached international acclaim. The Commedia dell'Arte's style of comedy used types of music, dance and witty dialogue, and it's style spread throughout Europe and still lives on today in present day theatre.
In the past, ongoing themes in Italian comedy films were that of sickness, poverty, hunger, and old age, the idea being to highlight the ironic absurdities in tragic situations. A classic example to illustrate this is Roberto Benigni's Life is Beautiful (La vita e` bella). The film is set in the second world war in a nazi concentration camp, but somehow through the tragedy, Benigni still makes us laugh. Modern comedies today still laugh at the absurdities of modern life, although the themes of the past of sickness, old age etc aren't that common.
Italians also appreciate jokes about life in general, and also enjoy jokes about politics e.g. there is a comic tradition of political cartoons called vignetta that can be found on the front page of Corriere della Sera, and in Naples there is a cartoon character of a chicken called 'Gino' who makes mini cartoon clips and songs about politics and pokes fun at political situations in the world today.
Juliana de Angelis is a travel writer about Italy...read more articles, travel guides and information about Italy, its people and culture at her website: http://www.madaboutitaly.com/
Book flights, hotels and shop for Italian products at http://www.italianshopsonline.com/
Copyright © 2006 Juliana de Angelis - please inform author if using any articles.
Kerala Tour- Delightful and Memorable Tour of Lifetime
By: rachel | 12/11/2009Kerala’s main attractions of tourists are its charming backwaters. Backwaters are the unique product of the state are enchantingly beautiful which has its own charm and attraction. One can enjoy the cruise over the picturesque backwaters staying in well organized luxury houseboats. Houseboats are country made boats which were used in earlier days to transport the goods from the countryside to the various cities.
Going After The Elusive Bargain
By: Bob Paul | 12/11/2009Consider whom you are traveling with. If you would be going alone or with your special someone, choose a travel package that allows for romantic destinations. On the other hand, if you would be traveling with your children, you might have to choose travel packages that allow for fun destinations as well as a variety of meals and amenities that would suit your children.
Nepal Family Holiday
By: Adventure Discovery Treks | 12/11/2009We have prepared special package trip for your whole family members to spend your holiday tour to Nepal. We have included all of the major activities in Nepal suitable for all of your family members at all. Please find our day by day itinerary and we can change suggested itinerary upon your interest.
Nepal Family Holiday
By: Adventure Discovery Treks | 12/11/2009We have prepared special package trip for your whole family members to spend your holiday tour to Nepal. We have included all of the major activities in Nepal suitable for all of your family members at all. Please find our day by day itinerary and we can change suggested itinerary upon your interest.
Bhutan Information
By: Adventure Discovery Treks | 12/11/2009Bhutan, so well known as 'the land of thunder Dragon' and 'the last Shangri La' on earth, is situated in the lap of the Eastern Himalayas between India and the People's Republic of China. Covering an area of 18000 sq miles, the tiny Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan is one of the most isolated nations on planet earth.
Exploring the Small Towns of Western Aruba
By: Justin Burch | 12/11/2009Though the western Hotel Zone and the capital of Oranjestad - located along the southwestern shore - stand as Aruba's primary tourist destinations, there are numerous small towns across the island that offer unique sightseeing opportunities. On the western half of the island, just a short drive from both the...
Zumba, The Hottest New Fitness Trend, Spends A Weekend In Curacao
By: Justin Burch | 12/11/2009Unlike many Caribbean destinations that are known primarily for shopping and entertainment, Curacao is recognized as one of the world's top fitness and recreation destinations. As home to some of the world's best dive sites and ecotourism sites, Curacao has long attracted fitness-conscious travelers from around the globe. This year,...
Best Travel Destinations to visit in Egypt
By: Casper Da Silva | 12/11/2009Egypt is one of the few countries in the world that is known as an ancient land and has all types of beauties that can make every vacation ideal and memorable. Today it is one of the major tourist paradises where urban culture collides with the leftovers of a time. There is so much to see in the Egypt that it would keep attracting you coming back over and over again. Learn here more about some of the most tourist famous destinations that attract vacationers from all across the world.
A brief history of Italian Comedy
By: Juliana | 23/07/2006 | TravelThe traditions of Commedia dell'Arte and Greek theatre are still continued in Italian comedy today..
The Vespa
By: Juliana | 23/07/2006 | TravelThe Vespa is Internationally renowned as an icon of Italian design, freedom and...
Milan, fashion capital of Italy!
By: Juliana | 23/07/2006 | TravelMilan is the business, fashion and design capital of Italy, with numerous fashion and..
Rome...
By: Juliana | 23/07/2006 | TravelThe Italian saying "Roma, non basta una vita" literally means...
The Mafia
By: Juliana | 23/07/2006 | TravelThe Mafia or 'Cosa Nostra' (translated meaning 'our thing') originated in
Food of Italy...Buon Appetito!
By: Juliana | 18/02/2006 | TravelThe pleasures and love of Italian cuisine are known the world over. Italian cookery and recipes vary from region to region, and....
Italian London
By: Juliana | 18/02/2006 | TravelItalians have been coming to live in London for hundreds of years, including Canaletto...
A brief history of Italian Fashion
By: Juliana | 18/02/2006 | Women's IssuesItaly and Fashion have a very unique and special relationship, and when you consider such names as Dolce&Gabbana, Versace and Armani, to name but a few, it's not difficult to see why...