Commedia
Rediscovering playfulness in acting: John Wright at TEDxSquareMile2013
In this video, we explore a powerful idea at the heart of creativity: the moment when the “thinking self” runs out of things to say and the instinctive, impulsive “doing self” steps forward. This doing self is the part of us that wants to slam a shoe on the table, tip out a school bag,…
Read MoreCreating a Healthy Ensemble in the Classroom (Tony Kishawi)
In this 10-minute talk, Tony Kishawi explores how his understanding of Commedia dell’Arte evolved by studying the work of the great “gurus” who revived the art form in the 20th century: Jacques Lecoq, Antonio Fava, Carlo Mazzone-Clementi, Carlo Boso, and the extraordinary mask-maker Donato Sartori. Tony traces how Commedia was originally created—not by directors—but by…
Read MoreZanni: Born From Hunger — Dario Fo’s Most Famous Routine
In this video, Nobel Prize–winning actor and playwright Dario Fo performs one of his most famous routines — a brilliant Commedia dell’Arte monologue that explores the origins of Zanni, the character who later evolved into Arlecchino. This piece comes from Fo’s celebrated body of work in which he revives the tradition of the medieval storytellers…
Read MoreESSENTIAL TIPS FOR TEACHING COMMEDIA DELL’ARTE
How to Introduce Masks, Movement, Lazzi & Physical Theatre in the Drama Classroom If you’re teaching Commedia dell’Arte for the first time, this video gives you the essential tools to start your unit effectively — without overwhelming your students or falling into common teaching pitfalls. Many teachers begin with theory or character research, but the…
Read MoreRemi’s Commedia Questions
Remi a year 12 student studying at Queensland Academy for Creative Industries sent some questions. So I requested that I answer the questions via video because I prefer talking to typing! 1. How would you describe the physicality of Commedia (in general)? 2. Are there solo exercises you’ve used to develop/get into the physicality of…
Read MoreCommedia dell’Arte at Montessori International College for Commedia dell’Arte Day
Tony Kishawi will run a series of workshops with Sunshine Coast actors and staff and students from Montessori International College (MIC). The workshops will run over two weekends culminating in a final performance for Primary College students as part of the MIC Creative Arts program and providing an opportunity for students to see their peers…
Read MoreSet of Seven Commedia dell’Arte Masks
I’m holding here the original leather mask that was made by Steve Novak and this mask and the set of masks have been in our company for over 13 years. We find these to be wonderful spirited masks, whoever the wearer might be they seem to be able to capture that spirit that comes from…
Read MoreDr Olly Crick Interview on Dario Fo’s Classic Performance the Zanni
Duration 13 mins Before watching this interview, please watch the Dario Fo routine we discuss:👉 https://youtu.be/PhLv9mhQXQk In this 13-minute conversation, Tony sits down with Commedia dell’Arte scholar and performer Dr Olly Crick to unpack one of Dario Fo’s classic routines—his interpretation of the Zanni, the starving servant at the heart of Commedia tradition. Dario Fo’s…
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