The Venetian Origins of the Commedia Dell'arte

Exploring the late-Renaissance roots of professional secular comedy in Venice, this book examines the emergence of the Commedia dell'Arte. It posits that a unique collaboration between patrician amateurs and plebeian professionals led to innovative comedic forms that blended high and low culture, resulting in a captivating and widely appealing entertainment style. The work highlights the cultural dynamics of Venice during this period and their significant influence on the evolution of comedic performance.