How did it Commedia start?

Commedia dell'Arte began in the mid-16th century in Italy. It is believed to have originated from the street performance traditions of the Renaissance period, when actors would improvise sketches and farces in public squares. These early performances were often quite bawdy and satirical, and they often poked fun at the upper classes and the clergy.

As Commedia dell'Arte grew in popularity, it began to be performed in theaters, and it eventually became one of the most popular forms of theater in Europe. Commedia actors were known for their physical comedy, their exaggerated gestures, and their use of masks and costumes. They often improvised dialogue and plot, and they relied heavily on audience interaction.

Commedia dell'Arte had a profound influence on the development of theater in Europe. It helped to popularize the use of improvisation, physical comedy, and masks and costumes. It also influenced the development of other forms of theater, such as pantomime and vaudeville.

Today, Commedia dell'Arte is still performed around the world. It is a vibrant and dynamic art form that continues to entertain audiences of all ages.