What is the meaning of Zanni?

What is the meaning of Zanni?

Definition of Zanni 1 : a madcap clown in masked comedy traditionally from Bergamo, Italy usually playing the part of a comic servant and indulging in acrobatic antics and tricks — compare pierrot. 2 : a clown resembling Harlequin.

What type of character is Pantalone?

He is also described as being petty, and he never forgets or forgives even the smallest things. Pantalone is characterized as loving his money and having emotional extremes. With his sinister and often inhumane treatment towards his fellows, Pantalone is perceived to be a pivotal part of commedia.

How does zanni move in commedia dell arte?

Zanni Running includes swift movements with legs kicking out in front of him with his toes pointed. His arms move opposite to his legs. Zanni Jubilant involves skipping on his toes with his center of gravity moving from side to side. This type of walk also involves the hands being placed on the belt.

What was the most popular zanni?

Zanni in order of innocence (most to least)

  • Pedrolino is the most innocent of the lot.
  • Arlechino is perhaps the most classic of the commedia characters, whose name gets Anglicized (now that’s the right word!) to Harlequin.
  • Brighella is the big brother to Arlechino, the one to his two.

What props did Pantalone use?

Pantalone typically wore tight red pants and a matching shirt, a long black cape, black or red pointed shoes, and a belt that had a purse attached. Pantalone also carried a knife and handkerchief, and wore glasses. His hat sat very close to his head, and did not have a brim – very much like a skullcap.

Is Harlequin a clown?

In traditional pantomime, a comic performance with silent actors, a harlequin is a funny character who wears a mask and a distinctive diamond-patterned costume. In the translation from French to English, the harlequin lost his demonic quality and became a clown.

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