Italian Commedia dell'arte

Commedia dell'arte is an Italian theatrical form from the 16th century characterized by improvised performances featuring stock characters, such as the witty servant (Harlequin) or the boastful Pantalone. Actors used masks, exaggerated gestures, and physical comedy to entertain audiences, often improvising dialogue around a loose storyline. This tradition emphasized visual humor, quick timing, and recognizable archetypes, influencing modern comedy and improvisational theatre. It was performed outdoors or in public spaces, accessible and popular among diverse social classes, and laid the groundwork for many elements of Western theatrical comedy.