The Commedia Dellarte

What were the origins of commedia dellarte and how did it evolve as a dramatic form over time and as it spread from Italy How did its relationship to the ruling ideology of the day change during the Enlightenment What is its legacy today These are just some of the questions addressed in this authoritative overview of the dramatic ideological and aesthetic form of commedia dellarte. The books 3 sections examine the changing role of performers and playwrights improvisatory scenarios and scripted