Exploring different types of comedy :: Drama

Exploring different types of comedy I am part of a group working on a devised piece based on the theme of comedy. We have explored different types of comedy and are devising ways of using these in a piece of drama. We were given some stimulus material about commedia dell'arte, this literally means artistic comedy. It started in the later half of the 16th century and this was a period where plays were stylish, classic and cold. So, commedia dell'arte was the complete opposite and soon loud, colourful representations cropped up all over Italy. The rules of theatre were subverted in this new style. Commedia dell'arte is mainly based on free improvisation on stage. Actors starting performing on simple stages set outdoors with a simple yet essential background. These improvised performances were never subtle and the humour was very often bawdy and coarse. There are a number of traditional characters that are related to commedia dell'arte. Harlequin is probably the best known out of all of the characters. He is comic servant who is lazy but energetic and both stupid and clever. He adds to the comedy that is being created on stage by the pure stupidity of the things that he does. He is often seen leaping into the air, dancing and walking on stilts. Another well known character is Pantaloon. He is a comic old merchant from Venice. He loves to give advice although he often receives blows from his servants, which creates comedy on stage. Even though commedia dell'arte didn't generate specific ideas for characters as such it did provide us with ideas for basic plot, as this genre achieves most of its humour on stage from the ridiculous situations that the characters are faced with. Our group was given a second stimulus of pantomime, and we were given 'Dick Whittington', written by Derek Dwyer and Merlin Price. In British theatre pantomime is a Christmas or New Year entertainment, but its origins can be traced back to the 16th century improvised comic drama, commedia dell'arte. This can be seen as pantomime retained a number of elements of commedia dell'arte, including the actress playing the part of the principle boy, and the actor playing the dame. Some new elements were also added into pantomime as it developed throughout the ages such as popular songs, topical humour, audience participation and a number of guest appearances from popular entertainers of the day. Many of these characteristics of typical pantomime can be seen in the extract that we have been given of 'Dick Whittington'. For example, before anyone even speaks there is a song to begin the show. This is