Harlequinade
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See also Commedia dell'arte
Contents |
History of the Harlequinade
The harlequinade is a type of theatrical performance piece, usually a slapstick adaptation of the Commedia dell'arte, performed by actors which dates back to England in the mid 18th century. The story revolves around the lives of its four main characters: Harlequin, Columbine, Clown and Pantaloon.
The characters
Harlequin
The harlequin is the comic of the show. He is a servant and the love interest of Columbine. His everlasting high-spirits and cleverness work to save him from several difficult situations his amoral behaviour gets him into during the course of the play. In some Italian forms of the harlequinade, the harlequin is able to perform magic feats. He never holds a grudge or seeks revenge.
Costume:
- A black mask, which serves two purposes: alift to reveal himself, donned to hide himself from the audiences view. It has tiny eyeholes and quizzically arched eyebrows
- Traditional diamond checkered pants (usually alternating blue, green, and red diamonds)
- Peasant's shirt
- Batte, or slapstick
Columbine
Columbine is a lovely woman, who has caught the eye of the harlequin.
Clown
Pantaloon
Other theatrical credits
Harlequinade is a play by Terence Rattigan. It was first performed on September 8, 1948 at the Phoenix Theatre, London, along with The Browning Version.