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.
