Not all of these characters are in the play (S of 2 M) and some that are have been ‘modified’ by Goldoni (Brighella for example).
As the performances are in French/Italian FOCUS on the physicality of the characters, their playfulness, energy levels, tone of their voice.
Look out for LAZZI = comic business.
All the answers are in the play – you may also find the plot summary of the Commentaries useful.
TO BE DONE IN YOUR JOURNAL FOR NEXT LESSON
Comprehension Questions for Acts 1 & 2 of ‘Servant of 2 Masters’. (Questions)
| Question | Answer | Mark | |
| 1 | What are the 3 stock types of Commedia? | 3 | |
| 2 | Traditionally, which characters would have worn a mask | 2 | |
| 3 | 2 | ||
| 4 | Where is the play set – (city) | 1 | |
| 5 | What is a lazzi? | 2 | |
| 6 | Who wrote the play? | 1 | |
| 7 | When did they write it (to within the nearest decade) | 1 | |
| 8 | What are the names of the 2 older men? | 2 | |
| 9 | What are the names of their children? | 2 | |
| 10 | Beatrice comes from which city? | 1 | |
| 11 | Who is her brother? | 1 | |
| 12 | What has happened to him before the play begins? Who did this? | 2 | |
| 13 | Who was he meant to marry and why? | 2 | |
| 14 | Beatrice arrives at Pantaloon’s house disguised as whom? | 1 | |
| 15 | Who recognises her and why? | 2 | |
| 16 | Who is her servant? | 1 | |
| 17 | Who is his love interest throughout the play? | 1 | |
| 18 | What 2 things does Beatrice hope to get by arriving in Venice? | 2 | |
| 19 | Why does Truffaldino sign up with another master? | 1 | |
| 20 | Who is the ‘character’ Truffaldino. makes up? | 1 | |
| 21 | Why does he ‘invent’ this person? | 1 | |
| 22 | Name 2 objects that are the types of things that confuse Truffaldino now that he serves 2 masters? | 2 | |
| 23 | Towards the end of Act 1 what does Beatrice do when in the company of a distressed Clarice? | 2 | |
| 24 | Why is Silvio angry with Pantaloon and Beatrice/Federigo? | 1 | |
| 25 | When discovering Silvio with a sword what does Beatrice/Ferderigo do? | 1 | |
| 26 | What does Clarice threaten to do when confronted by Silvio’s jealousy? | 1 | |
| 27 | What city is Truffaldino from? | 1 | |
| 28 | How do we (the audience) know that Truffaldino can’t read? | 2 | |
| 29 | Why does Truffaldino get a double beating at the end of the Act 2? | 2 |
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30) Explain in a paragraph how you would play the role of Pantaloon or Dr Lombardi (focus on personality, voice, posture, body shape, rhythm, facial expression) 6 marks
Watch the video above.
Take notes in your Journal about the OLD MEN (Pantaloon and Doctore (Dr).
MAKE SURE YOUR NOTES INCLUDE
Ignore Magnifico, the Witch, & Older Lovers. as these characters DO NOT APPEAR in ‘Servant’.
Watch the following video and make some notes in your Journal.
Look at the following images of Commedia companies performing.
You will notice that they are performing OUTDOORS on make-shift stages. This is because they were TOURING companies who moved from city/town to city/town.
The Commedia STYLE of performing develops because of this
.THINK / PAIR / SHARE
Watch the clip from a workshop presented by Didi Hopkins from Commediaworks (A UK company specialising in Commedia dell’ Arte). THEN read the section ‘Commedia dell’arte and Carlo Goldoni’ in the Commentary section of your play ‘ a Servant to 2 Masters’ (Page: XXXIX – XLII – 3.5 pages)
Once you’ve done your reading/viewing answer the following questions. Type them ready to hand in on your 1st class in September. [Include the question as the opening of your answer BUT don’t write out the question in full!]