Title
The Comic Mask in the Commedia dell'Arte: Actor Training, Improvisation, and the Poetics of Survival,Used
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Winner, 2007 University & College Designers Association Design AwardNobody says Shakespeare is dead, Antonio Fava tells us, but Commedia, they say, is dead. Why? Because clearly, he goes on, we have Shakespeare's texts, but nobody knows what to do with the improvisation that is the basis of the Commedia dell'Arte, despite massive documentation. This book by Fava, one of the few living master teachers of Commedia dell'Arte, is the first aesthetic and methodological study of the traditional Italian theater formthe first to describe, in a precise and practical way, what Commedia is and what it should be.The maskas object, symbol, character, theatrical practice, even spectacle itselfis the central metaphor around which Fava builds his discussion of structure, themes, characters, and methods. Drawing on twenty years of research conducted through his work as performer, director, mask maker, and scholar, he offers extensive practical, philosophical, and technical guidelines to performing the stock characters of Commedia, observing its structure, extracting its poetics, exploring its themes, and using the mask. A densely layered text combining historical fact, personal experience, philosophical speculation, and passionate opinion, and including copious illustrationsperiod drawings, prints, and color photographs of leather Commedia masks made by Fava himselfThe Comic Mask in the Commedia dell'Arte is a rich work of singular insight into one of the world's most venerable forms of theater.
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- Q: What is the main focus of 'The Comic Mask in the Commedia dell'Arte'? A: The book primarily explores the aesthetic and methodological aspects of Commedia dell'Arte, emphasizing the role of masks in theatrical practice.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The author is Antonio Fava, a master teacher of Commedia dell'Arte with extensive experience in performance and scholarship.
- Q: What can I expect to learn from this book? A: Readers can expect to gain insights into the structure, themes, and characters of Commedia dell'Arte, along with practical guidelines for performing its stock characters.
- Q: Is this book suitable for beginners in theater? A: Yes, the book provides clear practical and philosophical guidelines that can assist both beginners and experienced performers in understanding Commedia dell'Arte.
- Q: What type of illustrations are included in the book? A: The book includes period drawings, prints, and color photographs of leather Commedia masks created by the author, enhancing the understanding of the material.
- Q: What is the condition of the book being offered? A: The book is in 'New' condition, ensuring that it is unused and in perfect condition.
- Q: How many pages does the book contain? A: The book contains a total of 262 pages, providing an in-depth exploration of its subject matter.
- Q: What are the dimensions and binding type of the book? A: The book is available in a paperback binding, making it lightweight and easy to handle.
- Q: When was 'The Comic Mask in the Commedia dell'Arte' published? A: The book was published on February 22, 2007.
- Q: Is this book recognized in the design community? A: Yes, it won the 2007 University & College Designers Association Design Award, highlighting its significance in the field.