LA COMMEDIA DELL’ARTE
l’Improvvisa tra XVI e XVII secolo
workshop
16 - 19 June 2008

Commedia dell'Arte is an ancient folk theatre tradition. It appeared in Italy in the XVIth century and expanded quickly throughout Europe, helping to define the actor's profession and profoundly informing western theatre.
This four-day workshop will include a historical introduction to Commedia dell'Arte's origins, development, and decline, as well as discussions about the meaning and types of masks used in this performance genre. Students will explore stock characters including Zanni, Capitani, Vecchi, Innamorati, as well as performance through improvisation.
At the end of the workshop students will have the opportunity to present a short piece that has been devised during the week.
The workshop will be useful for professional actors, students of the performing arts, and anyone with a basic knowledge of the theatre and some practical experience.

Mauro Piombo(Workshop Leader) is a master of Commedia dell’Arte. Since 1994 he has been teaching masks and improvisation techniques in professional acting schools and universities throughout Europe. He has participated in a wide range of festivals, performances and experimental works for many decades. He is the Artistic Director of the “Laboratorio Permanente sulla Commedia dell’Arte e le Maschere del Teatro Popolare” (Permanent Research Project on Commedia dell’Arte and popular theatre masks”).

Chiara D'Anna (assistant) is a physical theatre specialist with international experience as an actor, director and tutor. She has worked in Italy, Spain, Poland and the UK. She studied Commedia dell’Arte under Claudia Contin, Ferruccio Merisi and Mauro Piombo in Turin, Italy. She is currently Lecturer in European Theatre at Rose Bruford College.

Date Monday - Thursday 16 - 19 June 2008
Times 14:00 - 19:00
Cost £160 Click here to enrol online
*Concession fees: £135 (for London Met and City Lit staff and students as well as anyone qualifying for a concessionary rate, proof must be shown prior to beginning class.)Click here to enrol online
Venue:  London Metropolitan University
              166-220 Holloway Road - London  N7 8DB
              Nearest Station: Holloway Road Tube Station (Piccadilly Line)                   

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