Issue 10: Winter 2023/24

Cover illustration: from one of the frescoes in the famous Fools’ Staircase in Trausnitz Castle, by Alessandro Padovano in 1575-1579. One of the men depicted is believed to be Zan Ganassa, whose troupe created and performed the canovaccio recorded by Frescobaldi, in his zibaldoni (his actor’s sidebook). Be sure to turn to our From The Archive section for an exclusive glimpse at one of these rare canovaccio in a brand new translation.

Here it is folks, issue 10 of Zannizine: a bumper issue for Commedia dell’Arte Day, Feb 25th 2024! You may find our 10th issue slightly more demanding than our usual editions, starting with the opening item by the Italian Commedia Master, Antonio Fava, followed by a host of articles. We are proud to include an article from Malta, penned by the eminent Sir Narcy Calamatta, plus new contributor, Jay Cross, gives us a sneak preview of his new book with a fabulous scenario in our From The Archives section.

Contents

1. Introducing Issue 10 of Zannizine

2. Commedia dell’Arte: One Name, Many Meanings       – Antonio Fava

3. Keeping the Commedia Banner Flying                           – Barry Grantham

4. Commedia around the World:

   • The Power of Commedia dell’Arte in Malta – Sir Narcy Calamatta

5. Madame Maintenon & The Commedia dell’Arte         – Barry Grantham

6. Book Review                                                                          – Cheryl Stapleton

   • Antonio Fava’s ‘The Comic Mask in the Commedia dell’Arte’

7. Stage Craft – Part III                                                             – Barry Grantham

8. From the Archive                                                                   – Jay Cross

   • John A. Cross’ ‘20 Commedia dell’Arte Scenarios from the 1570s’

9. Commedia dell’Arte: un nome, più significati (in Italian) – Antonio Fava