TRUFFALDINO – WHO IS HE?

  1. Read the Commentary on Truffaldino (your copy of the set text) On the double page in your Journal make specific notes on the skills needed to play him, his origins, his characteristics (traits) and how he was developed by Goldoni. (Use the appropriate side – Traditional vs Goldoni’s Reforms)
  2. stock character – stereotype –
  3. character traits (adjectives)
  4. animal types
  5. Mask (draw it!)
  6. Costume
  7. Motivation
  8. Social background (where is he from, what do others think of him, what does he think of himself?)
  9. Watch the Harlequin section from the Blog / films clip [The World of Commedia – Post: 31st October 2022] and take notes on MOVEMENT.
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Truffaldino2-731x1024.jpg
Piccolo Theatre Servant of Two Masters, Omen Sade (Performer) as Arlecchino/Truffaldino in traditional commedia dell’arte costume with white-with-multi-colored-triangles, hat, battoccio (stick/club) and leather mask created by Antonio Fava.

As well as your NOTES you MUST find answers to these questions.

10. Why is he called Truffaldino and not Harlequin?

11. Are there any changes that Truff. undergoes at the hands of Goldoni.

12. What does Niniar Kinnar-Wilson mean when he says that Harlequinio is ‘amoral not immoral’?


CLASS WORK

Watch Video: Servant of Two Masters: Commedia Character Shorts-Lesson Two: Truffaldino (Go to 58 secs in and watch to 2 min 25 secs)

Discussion points:

What’s the Dr Lombardi line that is quotes mean to you?

———————————————————————-

Watch this demonstration for physicality.

Watch Video (Go to 46 secs in and watch to 2 min 45 secs)

Discussion points:

  • Why does Truff. stand straight out to the audience?
  • Light or Heavy

Lazzo of the Fly (9 mins in)

What is this showing us about the character?

Read or Stage the 1st Entrance {always a good idea to talk about the 1st entrance if given a question about interpretation or aims/effects} Start at 8:45 mins in

  • What do you notice about his energy? / Energy: Direct or Indirect?
  • What do you notice about focus (on whom?)

Goldoni says in his own introduction “to the Readers” that Truff. can be ‘doltish’

adjective

(of a person) stupid; idiotic: a doltish character.

When he operates in a thoughtless fashion

(eg: tearing up the bill of exchange – act 2 sc 9 – P51-55)

And then mischievous’

adjective

causing or showing a fondness for causing trouble in a playful way: mischievous children | a mischievous grin.

(eg: serving 2 masters – act 2 sc 12)

PREPARATION FOR TRUFFALDINO (ACTOR) ESSAY

Examiner’s say the Indicative content for a performer focused question could include [remember you wouldn’t be expected to cover it all!!]

  • physical appearance, age, height, build, colouring, facial features
  • vocal qualities, pitch, pace, tone, accent
  • delivery of specific lines: interaction with others, eye contact, spatial relationships, physical contact
  • use of space
  • XXXX’s relationship with other KEY characters
  • movement, gesture, gait, posture, energy, demeanour and facial expressions
  • style/use of costume/make-up; of props and accessories
  • specific performance ideas clearly calculated to reveal the specified interpretation in key scenes, for example:

Social, cultural or historical context might include, for example:

  • reference to stock characters
  • structure of play
  • concepts of Commedia – lazzi, audience interaction

Extension: How has the character of Truff. been modified?

“One Man, Two Guvnors” starring James Corden