The Commedia dell’Arte Class, taught by Dr. Jim Ivey, is in the middle of preparing canovacci (improvised scenes) for their final performance exam. Thanks to the
cooperative spring weather the class has been able to rehearse outside. The
following video (graciously shot by Professor Tom Loughlin) captures some of
the groups presenting traditional commedia characters such as Dottore,
Pantalone, Zanni, Capitano, Arlecchino and Columbina. The class has also
created original comic characters that they are incorporating into
improvised canovacci as well. A canovacci is the Italian term for a basic
storyline around which the performers build their prepared improvisation.
The performers in the video can be observed creating lazzi (physical
business) in both the traditional and modern forms.
The class will present their final performance on Thursday, May 14 at 5:45
pm in the outdoor amphitheatre on the campus of SUNY Fredonia. In case of
inclement weather the performance will be moved to the Bartlett Theatre.
