Playwright¡@Carlo Goldoni
Director¡@Giorgio Strehler
Restaged by Ferruccio Soleri
in collaboration with Stefano de Luca
Definitive commedia dell'arte actor Ferruccio Soleri
stars in his legendary role in this Italian theatre classic
Artful servant Arlecchino is constantly complaining of an empty stomach. So when a strange twist of fate lands him with two masters, he sees this as a great opportunity to gain a double meal ticket. However, life is never simple and he is soon caught in a web of deceit and misunderstandings spun around the people he serves: a pair of separated lovers destined to be together.
Written in 1747 by Carlo Goldoni, one of Italy's greatest playwrights, Arlecchino, Servant of Two Masters is a commedia dell'arte masterpiece. Rich in farcical action, improvisation and humour, the late Giorgio Strehler, artistic director and founder of Piccolo Teatro di Milano, revived the play, letting it shine on stage once again. Lots of joy and laughter guaranteed.
Renowned commedia dell'arte actor Ferruccio Soleri, now 78, first played Arlecchino in 1963 and has since appeared in the role in more than 2,000 performances. For over 40 years, in his special black mask and colourful Harlequin outfit, the great performer has crossed all age and language barriers, bringing enjoyment to audiences worldwide and making the role his own.
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Carlo Goldoni (1707 ¡V 1793)
The Venetian playwright wrote 120 plays, including Arlecchino, Servant of Two Masters which revolutionised commedia dell'arte conventions. His comedies demonstrate his sharp eye for the difficulties, paradoxes and injustices of life.
commedia dell'arte
A form of comic theatre developed in Italy in the 16th and 17th centuries. Built on both the verbal ability and physical stamina of actors, performances were improvised from a general plot description. Actors wore distinctive costumes and masks to identify stock characters that audiences immediately recognized. |
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