Began around
Tuscany in 1550, but obviously based on the ancient comedies of
Rome (by writers like
Plautus) interpreted through bands of touring
actors. A nonliterary form, it depended not on
writers but on
improvised dialogue in standard
scenarios and well-rehearsed
lazzi (comic routines). The shows contained
stock character types such as Pantalone, the ineffective
patriarch, Dottore, the educated
busybody, Arlechinno, the
clever servant-- each with a distinctive
costume and half-mask. The stories usually centered on themes of
sex,
greed, and
status, and the
improvisation allowed plenty of room for references to topical events and local persons.
By the 17th century, the form had spread across Europe. The work of playwrights like Moliere, Ben Jonson, and Lope de Bega reflect the influence of the commedia. The stock characters and topical references continued to evolve into forms such as Punch and Judy shows, vaudeville and sitcoms.