Commedia dell'arte (Research)

Commedia dell'arte is a 16th century form of theatre that started in Italy. Every member of the performance (apart from the 1st actor and the 1st actress) wear masks. Each mask is different and tells you a lot about the character. The longer the nose on the mask, the more silly the character. A "pig snout nose" also represents stupidity in a character. Moreover, actual words are not used in Commedia, instead Gromalot is used. Gromalot is "emotional babble speak", so you can't understand what is being spoken, but you understanding the meaning and get an idea what is being said through the way it is spoken. This form of theatre is based on improvised scenarios between the stock characters. Below is a list of these characters and a brief description of each of them:

• MAGNIFICO: Most authoritative. Mask is like an eagle - he looks down on everyone. Leader of the city.
• 1st ACTOR & 1st ACTRESS: The lovers. Aristocrats. Grand movements. 
• THE WITCH: (20th century invention) Outsider. The Magnifico of the countryside. The supernatural element. Moves in figures of eight. 
• 2nd ACTOR & 2nd ACTRESS: Teenage pair of lovers. Children of Pantalone and The Doctor. Well educated
• PANTALONE: Master. Old man. Very needy.
• THE DOCTOR: Master. Old man. Man of learning.Waffles.
• COLUMBINA: The servant girl. As cunning as Brighella. As playful as Harlequino. Knowledgeable.
• BRIGHELLA: Master of servants & servant of masters. Very cunning.
• HARLEQUINO: Servant. Stupid. Thinks he's perfect. Amoral. Lives in the moment. Cheeky. Always hungry.
• THE CAPTAIN: From elsewhere. Often a soldier. Brags but is actually a bit of a wimp.
• ZANNI: Least authoritative. Peasant who's come to the city. Extremely curious. Wants to please. Magnifico's servant.