• Art & Culture
    • Lifestyle

Arlecchino and Brighella

Famous masks of the Italian Carnival tradition

Everyone knows Arlecchino and Brighella, famous masks of the Italian Carnival tradition. What’s the origin of these characters?

In the mid-sixteenth century, the first companies of the Commedia dell’Arte were born in the Republic of Venice – it was the first form of professional theater. The actors were specialized in typical roles, and they played them even for their entire career; one of these roles was a servant from Bergamo, Zanni.

Zanni is a servant of humble origin, he comes from the countryside, the contrary of the Lovers, elegant Venetian citizens. Comic, rough peasant, always hungry and attracted by beautiful servants, his costume was made with a kind of beige hemp, and he wore a light mask.

Over time, the Zanni split into two different characters: the astute Zanni and the foolish Zanni. The astute servant became Brighella, swindler and liar, plots intrigues, in order to mock others, but also to help the Lovers to crown their love. His costume is white with green stripes.

The foolish servant turned into Harlequin, famous for his acrobatic skills, the jokes, and acrobatics that the actors performed on stage. Originally the character of Harlequin was slow and stupid, but over time he will in turn become shrewd and more and more refined. His beggar costume, white with colored patches, will become the characteristic colored-diamond dress.

Although Carlo Goldoni did not like masks, one of his most famous works is "Arlecchino, servitore di due padroni", being represented at the Piccolo Teatro of Milan since 1947, under the direction of Giorgio Strehler.


Text by FIAMMA BOZZOLOConfGuide-GITEC 

CLICK HERE to discover her other itinerary proposals.

-

Ph cover: Luigi Ciminaghi - Piccolo Teatro Milano
Take me here: Arlecchino and Brighella

On the same topic

Lodi, invitation to court

Scenes of court life in the majestic Castle of Sant'Angelo Lodigiano that dominates the plain with an unequaled past
  • Art & Culture
Lodi, invitation to court

Theaters Bergamo

The theatrical season of Bergamo accompanies us with a flourishing billboard of shows not to be missed
  • Art & Culture
Theaters Bergamo, hints on visiting

Museums Lecco

Known above all for 'I Promessi Sposi' by Manzoni, Lecco is also rich in history and culture to be discovered in the Civic Museums
  • Art & Culture
Museums Lecco, exploring Lombardy

The life in a farm

Come and discover the charm of an ancient farm!
  • Art & Culture
The life in a farm

Open museums in Lombardy: an ode to female talent 

Lombardy’s museums are once again welcoming the public, art lovers, and other visitors with a wealth of exhibitions dedicated to women: artists, works of art, and mythological figures who have inspired exhibitions and shows
  • Art & Culture
Open museums in Lombardy: an ode to female talent 

Como by foot, by boat

A walk in Como between lake, neoclassical houses, a statue of Canova and a Grand Tour by boat
  • Art & Culture
Como by foot, by boat

Fossils Civic Museum

  • Art & Culture
Museo Civico dei Fossili di Besano

School trips

Cremona is the ideal destination for your school trip
  • Art & Culture
School trips

Museums Lodi

The museum reality of Lodi is heterogeneous. It preserves naturalistic and scientific collections, archaeological and art collections
  • Art & Culture
Museums Lodi, exploring Lombardy

Visits to the violin-making workshops

An unique and unforgettable experience
  • Art & Culture
Visits to the violin-making workshops

Bergamo Photo Gallery

An area to be discovered and visited
  • Art & Culture
Discovering Bergamo from A to Z

Castles in Lombardy

The charm of Lombardy through its castles
  • Art & Culture
Castles in Lombardy, Scenes from a Fairy Tale

Castles Pavia

Towers, walls, ditches .. a journey between fortresses and sumptuous historic houses
  • Art & Culture
Castles Pavia

16th Olympic Games of Violin-making

4 settembre - 10 ottobre 2021
  • Art & Culture
16th Olympic Games of Violin-making

Monuments Monza

There are so many beauties to discover in the city that holds treasures not only in its Cathedral.
  • Art & Culture
Monuments in Monza, culture in Lombardy

Brianza Villas Itinerary

  • Art & Culture
Villa Gallarati Scotti (Oreno di Vimercate)

Cremona and its music

Cremona's music is closer than what you think
  • Art & Culture
Cremona and its music

Pavia Photo Gallery

An area full of attractions and experiences to experience
  • Art & Culture
Pavia from A to Z, art and culinary traditions

Bergamo Città Bassa

Glimpses of ancient villages along the main communication routes between the upper city and the territory
  • Art & Culture
Bergamo Città Bassa (Lower City)

Museums in Lombardy

Some suggestions on museums to visit in Milan and outside the Lombard capital
  • Art & Culture
Museums in Lombardy, suggestions on cultural tourism