Shakespeare and Commedia dell'Arte : Play by Play

This book explores the influence of commedia dell’arte improvisation, sight gags and wordplay on Shakespeare’s comedies and how these techniques can be applied when producing the Bard’s comedies today. When commedia troupes and players were invited to England in the mid 1500s, and their performances impacted upon the performance styles of English players. Artemis Preeshl blends historical research and practical case studies from specific companies to illustrate the combination of these techniques on a play-by-play basis.

Shakespeare and Commedia dell’Arte examines the ongoing influence of commedia dell’arte on Shakespeare’s plays.

Exploring the influence of commedia dell’arte improvisation, sight gags, and wordplay on the development of Shakespeare’s plays, Artemis Preeshl blends historical research with extensive practical experience to demonstrate how these techniques might be applied when producing some of Shakespeare''s best-known works today. Each chapter focuses on a specific play, from A Midsummer Night’s Dream to The Winter’s Tale, drawing out elements of commedia dell’arte style in the playscripts and in contemporary performance.

Including contemporary directors’ notes and interviews with actors and audience members alongside Elizabethan reviews, criticism, and commentary, Shakespeare and Commedia dell’Arte presents an invaluable resource for scholars and students of Renaissance theatre.