Arlecchino, Servant of Two Masters
From Paper to the Stage: The Servant of Two Masters
Carlo Goldoni's 18th-century comedy about a cunning servant epitomizes Italian theater as one of the most classic works of commedia dell'arte. The plot is simple yet entertaining including weddings, duels, dances, pursuits, a food toss, and of course a love scene. In this play, Arlecchino's sly tricks and disguises cause a chain reaction of mistaken identities, betrayals, confused lovers, and, finally a happy ending for the lovers. Giorgio Strehler's production of Goldoni's written work features the classic commedia dell'arte actor Ferruccio Soleri, who inhabits the role of Arlecchino. He perfectly plays this role with his performance, pouring his forty five years of commedia dell'arte knowledge into the role. This comedy of manners, shaped by a prominent playwright and a celebrated director, perfectly intertwines the elements of commedia dell'arte through its simple plot, improvisational stock characters with classic use of masks, and unadorned scenery.
The plot of Servant of Two Masters is simple but Arlecchino's mix of stupidity and shrewdness causes the events of the plot to occur with great comedy between characters yet effortless movement of the scenario. As the play opens, Pantalone and the Doctor are discussing the wedding preparations for their children, Clarice and Silvio. Clarice's former betrothed, Federigo, was reported killed in a duel. Here begins the confusion because when Arlecchino appears, he introduces himself as Federigo's servant and announces that his master is alive. Arlecchino says, "The devil! My master dead? Why, I left him alive downstairs" (Goldoni 85). But in reality it is only Beatrice, Federigo's sister, disguised as a man to search for her lover Florindo in Venice. Beatrice claims she is Federigo, and for monetary reasons demands that Clarice fulfil their engagement. Soon the anxiety and confusion are amplified, when Arlecchino acquires Florindo as another master. As the plot
Carlo Goldoni's 18th-century comedy about a cunning servant epitomizes Italian theater as one of the most classic works of commedia dell'arte. The plot is simple yet entertaining including weddings, duels, dances, pursuits, a food toss, and of course a love scene. In this play, Arlecchino's sly tricks and disguises cause a chain reaction of mistaken identities, betrayals, confused lovers, and, finally a happy ending for the lovers. Giorgio Strehler's production of Goldoni's written work features the classic commedia dell'arte actor Ferruccio Soleri, who inhabits the role of Arlecchino. He perfectly plays this role with his performance, pouring his forty five years of commedia dell'arte knowledge into the role. This comedy of manners, shaped by a prominent playwright and a celebrated director, perfectly intertwines the elements of commedia dell'arte through its simple plot, improvisational stock characters with classic use of masks, and unadorned scenery.
The plot of Servant of Two Masters is simple but Arlecchino's mix of stupidity and shrewdness causes the events of the plot to occur with great comedy between characters yet effortless movement of the scenario. As the play opens, Pantalone and the Doctor are discussing the wedding preparations for their children, Clarice and Silvio. Clarice's former betrothed, Federigo, was reported killed in a duel. Here begins the confusion because when Arlecchino appears, he introduces himself as Federigo's servant and announces that his master is alive. Arlecchino says, "The devil! My master dead? Why, I left him alive downstairs" (Goldoni 85). But in reality it is only Beatrice, Federigo's sister, disguised as a man to search for her lover Florindo in Venice. Beatrice claims she is Federigo, and for monetary reasons demands that Clarice fulfil their engagement. Soon the anxiety and confusion are amplified, when Arlecchino acquires Florindo as another master. As the plot