Tuesday 18/02

Tuesday morning began with our warm up, which was essential at the beginning of each day. We then further explored the character of Zanni.

Zanni: As well as the Big Step and Three Step the Zanni also travel via a tired run.

Tired run: The tired run is used when the Zanni is tired, but can also be used when they are upset or crying. The tired run is a normal run with the legs kicking up towards the bum. The main movement of the run is in the shoulders. The arms hang down by the side and the shoulders bounce up and down resembling someone sobbing. With this movement crying or groaning sounds are made to emphasise the tiredness or sadness of the Zanni. We practised this move by travelling around the rehearsal space and then slowly coming to a stop and falling asleep.

Jumps: All characters in Commedia are larger-than-life and often jump around when speaking. When a Zanni is happy they will often jump off the floor and click their heels together and raising their arms above their heads in glee. They will also do small jumps when moving around the stage because unlike in some theatre Commedia is very active and there is always constant movement. Before jumping the Zanni must prepare to “take off” which involves the “take off” leg being lifted before the jump is taken. The video below shows these “take offs” at 3:55.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7XWymMBrcw

 An example of a take off during the evening performance of "Toby or not Tobi"

 

 

We then moved on to learning new characters.

Pedrolino: Pedrolino is a “First Zanni” and so is in charge of the other Zanni in a household. He has the same walks as all Zanni but with slight alterations. Pedrolino’s big step is much smaller and so he remains further upright creating the appearance of a longer posture. His movement is much more elegant than the other Zanni and so his free step is that much more elegant, showing his higher status to the other Zanni. His steps are much more precise and his elbows are bent and his arms kept up close to his chest and he does not wear a mask.

Proud Walk: The proud walk is a new step we learnt which is used only by Pedrolino. The head moves like a chicken pecking while his shoulders move forwards and backwards and his arms remain close to his torso. This walk could be used as a form of travel that would help distinguish him from other Zanni.

Columbina: Columbina is also a “First Zanni” and is often the personal maid to the female Lover or a servant to one of the old men. Like Pedrolino her big step is small and her free step is elegant, another difference in her footwork is that she flicks her feet out at the end of each step so to elongate her graceful limbs. Her movements are precise and fluid, her arms in particular have a fluidity lacking in the lower Zanni. She too does not wear a mask and is one of the smartest characters. Her base stance is similar to the original Zanni stance but the feet are placed much closer together, resembling a ballet dancer.

Brighella: Another Zanni, generally bossing the other Zanni around. Brighella can be seen as a bit of a “lad” and we did an exercise where we had to try and sell something to the audience as if we were like con artists. Brighella’s knees are bent when he’s in base stance, creating an appearance of sitting. As he is viewed as a “lad” we looked at a “cockney” accent and then put on a different accent and looking at the difference. The main element of Brighella is that he is a large character and so uses large arm movements and jumps about a lot when telling stories.

Brighella run: The Brighella run is quite a boyish run and solely used by Brighella. It consists of high knees and the shoulders moving up and down as if a puppet on a string. The run looks as if the arm is pulling up the leg from a piece of string.

 

Brighella's base stance

 



Arlecchino: The final of the Zanni we learnt, much like Pedrolino and Columbina he is elegant in all Zanni walks, such as the three step. He would be the second Zanni to Brighella if he were present. He can be stupid and has a crush on Columbina and so will become quite coy around her and will shuffle around on his feet. His elbows are bent and his hands are generally placed on his hips or on a belt. When Arlecchino moves his mask will be the first thing to turn and then the rest of his body will follow.  

Columbina and Arlecchino

Pantalone: Pantalone is at the top of the status ladder as he is quite wealthy, his interests are in money and sex. He is often trying to flirt with Columbina. He is an old man and so his posture is hunched with his pelvis pushed out and stomach tucked in. His elbows are tucked in to his torso and so his hands don’t move far from his chest. He cannot turn corners well and so will often fall over resembling a beetle on its back, he will often fall over in his pursuit of Columbina. His voice is rather nasally and high pitched.

Walk: Pantalone’s knees come up when he walks in a quick motion, so they snap up before he places his foot on the ground. He walks slowly to depict his old age.