Teatro delle Maschere From Another Angle

After viewing the video I posted yesterday of Teatro delle Maschere's October 2nd performance. Anya Malkina, a friend, graphic designer and web designer who has done work for Behind the Mask Studio & Theatre and had shot photos ofa recent performance of Arlecchino Am Ravenous, sent in this video she took of the second half of our performance, but from stage left.



What I find fascinating about comparing the two videos is how the comparison illustrates that unlike film or television, which, have evolved , theatre is a three-dimensional art form. In this particular clip, even when the Dottore (Jonathan Samson) is obscuring Columbina (Stacey Polishook) and Arlecchino (myself) one can see the two servants' shadows dancing on the back wall.

The Premiere of Teatro delle Maschere

In case you missed last night's show.

The Esteemed Dottore of Bologna Offers His Authoritative, Erudite, and Thoroughly Supercilious Meditation on the Mask

Stacey Polishook as Columbina, Jonathan Samson as Il Dottore, and Eric Bornstein on sound effects. Yours truly as Arlecchino.

Notes:

Stacey, who is both an apple fiend and puppeteer, came up with the Appelina lazzo, which I feel makes for a unique interpretation of the Columbina character.

Jonathan had only flown in from Bangkok earlier that week and had begun rehearsing with us only two days before. Before that, Eric had been playing the role of Il Dottore, in rehearsals (we promise to have him on stage as an actor very soon!)

Grazie to Fort Point Theatre Channel for presenting us as part of the evening's program, Eric for being the catalyst behind the formation of Teatro delle Maschere, Behind the Mask Studio & Theatre for hosting our rehearsals, Toni for her opinions on matters Italian, and Jonathan's father for aiming the camera!

If you enjoyed the show, please become our fan on facebook!

October 2nd: Teatro Delle Maschere @ Fort Point Theatre Channel + Preview!

Teatro delle Maschere, my new commedia dell'arte troupe with Behind the Mask Studio & Theatre, will be presenting a short scenario. The Esteemed Dottore of Bologna Offers His Authoritative, Erudite, and Thoroughly Supercilious Meditation on the Mask as part of Fort Point Theatre Channel's Exclaimation Point! 8: Masks on Saturday, October 2 at 7pm at Art at 12 Gallery, 12 Farnsworth Street in Fort Point, Boston. It will be a free show. Facebook users can RSVP here.

The cast will include Jonathon Samson (of Teatro Commedia) as Il Dottore, Stacey Polishook as Columbina, and myself as Arlecchino.

Teatro Delle Maschere will also be performing a preview this Saturday, September 11th 7pm at Behind the Mask's outdoor stage at 6 Campbell Park Place in Somerville. Eric Bornstein will be playing Il Dottore, otherwise the cast will be the same. Facebook users can RSVP here.

The scenario is created by Stacey Polishook, Eric Bornstein, and myself.

Teatro delle Maschere has a Facebook Page!

May 14th: Commedia Teatro presents Ian Thal @ Outpost 186

Or: I haven't the time to design a new poster because the show must go on!

Back in 2004, I met Jonathan Samson, who had the mad idea to create a commedia dell'arte inspired television series. This led to a rather intense period of working and playing together over a period of several weeks. Then Jonathan left for Thailand, planning to stay but for a few months, instead, he stayed and founded Thailand's first commedia troupe: Commedia del Siam! Several years later, we got to talking about doing some shows together when he is back in the states. We try to get a few gigs together and then on the on the facebook page for one of those gigs, Jonathan writes:

I'm gonna have to be there in spirit only! My transportation to Boston has been impeded by political rioting in Bangkok, the volcanic eruption in Iceland, and the poor global economy. Ian will be producing and directing a wonderful commedia show by himself... and I am so jealous that all of you are gonna get to see it live!

The room has been paid for, so the show must go on! Here's the poster anyway:


I shall be performing a short bill of:

O, Mister Sun, Don't You Fall Asleep On Me (corporeal mime and mask)
The Marmalope (mime)
Arlecchino Am Ravenous (commedia dell'arte)

The event is Friday, May 14th at 8pm

Outpost 186
186 Hampshire Street
Inman Square
Cambridge MA


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