What does Scapino mean?
little escape artist
Scapino, or Scapin, is a zanni character from the commedia dell’arte. His name is related to the Italian word “scappare” (to escape) and his name translates to “little escape artist” in reference to his tendency to flee from fights, even those he himself begins.
Who is Scapin?
Scapin, Italian Scapino, (from Italian scappare, “to flee”), stock character of the Italian commedia dell’arte; one of the comic servants, or zanni, who was especially noted for his cowardice, taking flight at the first sign of a conflict.
Why are masks used in commedia dell arte?
A mask helps to create the beautiful, extravagant, repulsive and yet attractiveness of each character. Masks allow the actor to further explore the character. To the audience, the actor’s physical movements and embodiment of the stock characters help to establish their character and the mask enhances it.
Where does Scapin take place?
Naples, Italy
Scapin the Schemer (French: Les Fourberies de Scapin) is a three-act comedy of intrigue by the French playwright Molière….
| Scapin the Schemer | |
|---|---|
| Genre | Comedy of intrigue |
| Setting | Naples, Italy |
What characters wear masks in commedia dell arte?
There are four or five classes that the masks can be grouped into: the old men such as Pantalone and il Dottore; the young and adventurous man, il Capitano; the servant sometimes named Zanni; and another old man though more crooked and crippled Pulcinella.
Who wears a mask in commedia dell arte?
3. Il Dottore (The Doctor) Il Dottore in Commedia dell’Arte is usually dressed in the traditional style of a medieval doctor, with a huge black suit, often with a ruff and a notary’s beret or large doctor’s cap. He wears a mask over half of his face that highlights his bulbous nose.
Why are there masks in Commedia dell arte?
Why are commedia masks important?