Belated Photographs from Commedia dell'Arte Day Presentation

[Yes, it was nearly two months ago, but I as mentioned before, blogging takes a back seat to the passing of a beloved cat.]

On February 25th, I gave a presentation for World Commedia dell'Arte Day after Orfeo Group Theatre's production of Pierre Marivaux' The Island of Slaves. I packed my masks, along with three that were loaned to me by Eric Bornstein of Behind the Mask. Eric had been invited to present, but had a prior commitment so he recommended me to go in his place (thanks, Eric!)

Judith Chaffee (visit her Commedia dell'Arte Website) was also scheduled to present, but was unable to make it. So it was up to me. Thankfully, between performing and teaching, I've gotten quite a few ideas about what commedia means to me.

Besides introducing some of the masks, I also demonstrated some of the physical postures of the characters. Photographs courtesy of Cherie Konyha Greene unless otherwise noted.
To quote Cherie: "I'd have liked to get more shots of Ian's Arlecchino--but he moves too fast for my camera. As an Arlecchino should."

Il Dottore has a someone different approach to filling his belly than Arlecchino.

Il Capitano, by contrast, is seeking to fill something else, or as he said to one audience member: "This is not rain. It is the angels weeping because I have forsaken them for you."

The red mask at center is Eric Bornstein's interpretation of Il Capitano. Eric did this mask in leather, mine is in papier-mâché.

Amanda J. Collins, who had been playing Cleanthis earlier in the evening, wearing one of Eric's Arlecchino masks. This one is in leather.

Once again, as Il Capitano. Photo courtesy of Orfeo Group.

Photostream (including more photos) starts here

In addition to Orfeo and Behind the mask, I want to thank Associazione SAT and Faction of Fools for declaring and organizing World Commedia dell'Arte Day!

February 25th: World Commedia dell'Arte Day with Orfeo Group

The Italian cultural agency, Associazione SAT, has declared February 25th World Commedia dell'Arte Day so to lobby UNESCO to recognize the Commedia as a World Cultural Heritage. The Washington D.C.-based Faction of Fools has in turn joined in in organizing a day of activities outside Italy: encouraging artists, audiences, scholars, and students to celebrate the legacy of Commedia dell'Arte!

I will be joining Boston University professor, Judith Chaffee (visit her Commedia dell'Arte Website) and Orfeo Group Theatre for a presentation following Thursday night's performance of Pierre Marivaux' The Island of Slaves at Boston Center for the Arts.

Special thanks to Eric Bornstein of Behind the Mask who was originally invited to present, but due to a scheduling conflict asked me to go in his place.