Isabella (commedia dell'arte)
Encyclopedia
Isabella is a stock character
used in commedia dell'arte
, in the class of innamorata
(female lover). She is generally portrayed as headstrong, flirtatious, sensuous, and articulate. She is typically depicted as Pantalone
's daughter and he often tries to control her life by arranging meetings with inappropriate overaged gentlemen suitors. Men constantly fall hopelessly in love with her and she loves to tease and test them. She is frequently the innamorata
of the play. She is typically a prima donna
. she is also known as an amore as is her male co-star.
Most of the commedia dell'arte plays are about getting the lovers (Isabella and Flavio) to be together. Her costume is in light colours to show innnocence and generally has a heart motif. She wears pearls and gold to show her high status but is eventually brought low because of the hopelessness of her infatuations.
Her walk is more of a teeter, leaning heavily towards her aim then pulling away at the last moment.
Isabella is named in honor of Isabella Andreini
an actress and poet who played the character with the commedia troupe I Gelosi
.
Stock character
A Stock character is a fictional character based on a common literary or social stereotype. Stock characters rely heavily on cultural types or names for their personality, manner of speech, and other characteristics. In their most general form, stock characters are related to literary archetypes,...
used in commedia dell'arte
Commedia dell'arte
Commedia dell'arte is a form of theatre characterized by masked "types" which began in Italy in the 16th century, and was responsible for the advent of the actress and improvised performances based on sketches or scenarios. The closest translation of the name is "comedy of craft"; it is shortened...
, in the class of innamorata
Innamorati
Gli Innamorati were stock characters within the theatre style known as Commedia dell'arte, which appeared in 16th century Italy. These characters were present within commedia plays for the sole purpose of being in love with one another, and moreover with themselves...
(female lover). She is generally portrayed as headstrong, flirtatious, sensuous, and articulate. She is typically depicted as Pantalone
Pantalone
Pantalone, or Pantalone del bisognosi, Italian for 'Pantalone of the needy', is one of the most important principal characters found in commedia del arte...
's daughter and he often tries to control her life by arranging meetings with inappropriate overaged gentlemen suitors. Men constantly fall hopelessly in love with her and she loves to tease and test them. She is frequently the innamorata
Innamorati
Gli Innamorati were stock characters within the theatre style known as Commedia dell'arte, which appeared in 16th century Italy. These characters were present within commedia plays for the sole purpose of being in love with one another, and moreover with themselves...
of the play. She is typically a prima donna
Prima donna
Originally used in opera or Commedia dell'arte companies, "prima donna" is Italian for "first lady." The term was used to designate the leading female singer in the opera company, the person to whom the prime roles would be given. The prima donna was normally, but not necessarily, a soprano...
. she is also known as an amore as is her male co-star.
Most of the commedia dell'arte plays are about getting the lovers (Isabella and Flavio) to be together. Her costume is in light colours to show innnocence and generally has a heart motif. She wears pearls and gold to show her high status but is eventually brought low because of the hopelessness of her infatuations.
Her walk is more of a teeter, leaning heavily towards her aim then pulling away at the last moment.
Isabella is named in honor of Isabella Andreini
Isabella Andreini
Isabella Andreini , also known as Isabella Da Padova, was an Italian actress and writer.Isabella Andreini was a member of the Compagnia dei Comici Gelosi, an important touring theatre company that performed for the highest social circles of Italy and France...
an actress and poet who played the character with the commedia troupe I Gelosi
I Gelosi
I Gelosi was an acting troupe that performed commedia dell'arte from 1569 to 1604. Their motto was Virtu, fama ed honor ne fer gelosi, meaning "We are jealous of attaining virtue, fame, and honor"....
.