COMMEDIA DELL’ARTE MASTERCLASS

PROGRAMME DETAILS

Commedia dell’arte means ‘comedy of skills’. It is a colourful and specialist theatrical form which originated in northern Italy in the fifteenth century. These performances use masks to represent a consistent cast of characters who reappear for each skit to perform improvised dialogue that carries a comic plot to a humorous climax. It is an expression of comedy unlike anything one may have seen before.

2 masters of Italian theatre, Michele Guaraldo & Paola Raho, taught this intensive 4 day masterclass in Commedia dell’arte.

During this programme participants  will explore different character archetypes – firstly through the mask, by studying their meanings and roles, and secondly through physical embodiment. Students will study both theoretical and practical ways to create and contract a character through improvisation exercises designed to unlock their creativity and deepen their understanding of personality types.

TRAINERS

Michele Guaraldo has been working for 13 years as an actor, director and dramaturgist in different theatre companies around the world. He is a specialist in the traditional Italian theater form of Commedia Dell’Arte. Michele has taught numerous Commedia Dell’Arte Workshops in Italy and Europe and has directed many international productions that include the mask work of Commedia Dell’Arte. Michele has studied with Mauro Piombo, Philippe Hottier and Eugenio Allegri – some of the greatest masters of Commedia Dell’Arte and comedy. From creative work such as writing and acting to production elements such as light design, Michele has gained an extensive repertoire of knowledge and experience. With actors, he constantly seeks to challenge the ways in which an actor can express themselves with the body.

Paola Raho has worked as a stage actress and theatre teacher for more than 12 years. Her specialty is in physical theatre, contemporary European dance theatre and traditional Italian theatre. Her teaching experience extends internationally, including Commedia Dell’Arte physical training in different workshops around Italy and Europe. As an actress, she has performed around the world including Italy, Switzerland, Turkey, Peru and Cuba. Paola is also trained in dance and dance theatre due to her many years in Italy and Switzerland. She is intrigued by the possibilities in the human condition.