The commedia dell'arte was an improvised drama performed by masked players. How did the actors react to these demands and limitations? What force kept this form of theatre alive for more than two centuries and made Harlequin such a potent image? In this study of the commedia dell'arte, originally published in 1987, Professor Nicoll's concern is not to provide an historical survey of its origins or to trace the ascent and descent of Harlequin or any or any other character or 'mask', but rather to explore critically the ...
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The commedia dell'arte was an improvised drama performed by masked players. How did the actors react to these demands and limitations? What force kept this form of theatre alive for more than two centuries and made Harlequin such a potent image? In this study of the commedia dell'arte, originally published in 1987, Professor Nicoll's concern is not to provide an historical survey of its origins or to trace the ascent and descent of Harlequin or any or any other character or 'mask', but rather to explore critically the answers to these and related questions. His arguments are based on the evidence of the play scenarios and contemporary documents as far as possible, and are illuminated by many illustrations that are either little-known or had not previously been reproduced.
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Seller's Description:
This is an ex-library book and may have the usual library/used-book markings inside. This book has hardback covers. In good all round condition. Dust jacket in good condition. Please note the Image in this listing is a stock photo and may not match the covers of the actual item, 1250grams, ISBN: 0521058341.
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Seller's Description:
Very Good in Good+ dust jacket. Hardcover. 4to. Cambridge at the University Press, Cambridge, UK. 1963. Xvi, 243 pgs. Color frontispiece, illustrated in black & white with 124 reproductions of prints. First Edition/First Printing. DJ has light shelf-wear present to the DJ extremities. Bound in cloth boards with gilt titles present to the spine and front board. Boards have light shelf-wear present to the extremities. No ownership marks present. Text is clean and free of marks. Binding tight and solid. This historical account forms the backdrop to the main theme-the essential nature of the Italian comedy-Punch, Pantaloon, Zany, Pierrot, Columbiae, Scaramouch, as well as Harlequin himself-are introduced in order throughout the volume. E-121; 0.91 x 9.72 x 6.85 Inches; 256 pages.