|
|
|
We are all experts in our own field of theatre, but
running a broad and varied drama programme is always going to involve us
teaching about theatre styles and traditions which do not fall into our
own area of expertise. Also, we tend to teach on our own, rather than
in handy troupes, and so no matter how talented we are, it can be
difficult to present live performances on a regular basis to eager
classes. This is where technology, whilst never as good as the real
thing, comes into its own. With the flick of the ‘on’ button, we can
present entire performances of Oedipus Rex in a Greek amphitheatre, for
example, even as the snow falls on Moscow outside our studio. |
|
All drama departments should have to hand a body of
video resources which allow them to teach about theatre forms from
around the world and throughout time. But how often have you looked at
the catalogues for performing arts videos and DVDs, compared their
prices to your budget, sighed and put on your mask and costume for yet
another one person show? |
|
Well, good news is at hand for at least one theatre
tradition, in the form of Marco Lully and Luciana Codispoti‘s hour long
DVD The Spirit of Commedia. Marco will be a familiar practitioner
to many students and teachers in the Asia Pacific region as well as in
his home country of Italy. He has run master classes at ISTA/IB TAPS
events and also directed student drama festivals in International
schools in Bangkok and Beijing. Actor, workshop leader and founder of
the Commedia troupe Luoghi dell’Arte, this DVD is Marco’s first venture
into the realm of film. |
|
The DVD shows Marco and Luciana in interview with
Roger Jenkins and all three in performance. The history of the theatre
form, the masks and stock characters are discussed and presented through
performance, sometimes in English and sometimes in the original Italian.
Marco and his fellow actors bring commedia to life in a way that it is
impossible to envisage using pictures and written scenario. They provide
a lively insight into the masks, showing them in lazzi and monologue as
well as working through some of the later Commedia inspired texts such
as Goldoni’s The Servant of Two Masters. The influence of
Commedia on later writers and theatre forms is discussed, as well as the
Commedia today. |
|
>>> |
|
|
|
