Issue 7: Autumn 2022

Issue 7 cover: ‘Grotesque Dwarves’ by Jacques Callot adapted to illustrate a set of playing cards

It is perhaps time to remind ourselves of those important skills that may have been neglected during the past few years of pandemic lockdown when live performance was much restricted? Performing on the stage is not the same as playing over Zoom and to aid in this recovery, Barry Grantham provides us with a timely reminder of the importance of stagecraft in Commedia. This is the first article in our new ‘technical’ category and is intended to provide practical help for the Commedia player: how the actors should present themselves on stage, how to address the audience and the significance and impact of certain locations within the stage space.

Just one of the feast of fine morsels we have for you this quarter.

Contents

1. Introducing Issue 7 of Zannizine

2. Commedia is Alive and Kicking by Brendan Stapleton

3. Resurgence of the Bouffon by Cheryl Stapleton

4. Music in Commedia dell’Arte – Part 2 by Bill Tuck

5. Commedia Around the World: Surprise Commedia in North Carolina by Lara Coutinho-Dean

6. Stage Craft ... and Commedia! By Barry Grantham

7. Book Review by Olly Crick:

   • The Commedia dell’Arte, Domenico Pietropaulo, 2022

8. A Scenario – Magnifico of the Rings by Nathan Hook

9. Ends and Odds