Search

Saved articles

You have not yet added any article to your bookmarks!

Browse articles

GDPR Compliance

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies, Privacy Policy, and Terms of Service.

Masquerade Mask

 
John Gunn Review by John Gunn 4 Published: 10 Aug 2024 C ARTS | C venues | C aquila Show Dates: 31 Jul 2024-25 Aug 2024

Commedia dell’Arte, which began in medieval Italy, is generally credited with providing the foundation blocks for modern comedy. Fraternal Compagnia’s Masquerade Mask attempts to give the Fringe a crash course in the tradition in the form of a play-within-the-play. Having lost most of his cast due to Brexit, the Professor is forced to enlist the help of his two servants, Pizza and Pasta, to play the classic roles, starting with the peasants. However, as the play progresses, the troup squabble, bicker and fall out, before finally reuniting at the end in song.

An introduction to the genre that will make many people eager to find out more about it

All three actors are clearly masters of physical theatre, and throw themselves in the action, using their bodies and gestures to portray the various characters, including Death and the greedy Pantalone. So, even when they break into Italian, as they do when they are hurling insults at one another, it’s very easy to understand what is going on. In addition to the superb acting, the music and the historically authentic costumes (including masks), add further colour to the production. They even manage to find opportunities to involve the audience in the production, without it feeling forced, and by the end those watching were singing and laughing along with smiles on their faces.

Overall, this is an enchanting masterpiece of a show, which will appeal to everyone, and provides an introduction to the genre that will make many people eager to find out more about it.

Related to this article:

Location:

Performances

The Blurb:

Two servants, Pasta and Pizza, are tasked by their master to introduce and showcase the cultural phenomenon that is Commedia dell’Arte. They are to bring the Masks on display – the old Venetian merchant, Pantalone, the servants Zanni and Arlecchino, the Doctor; the Captains, and more – to life. The show is presented in English and Italian, and through many games, jokes, and puns, it tackles Commedia's central themes: the love of power, the power of love, the hunger and misery of the less fortunate, and the magic that surrounds life and stage.