commedia dell'arte

American  

[kuh-mey-dee-uh del-ahr-tee, kawm-me-dyah del-lahr-te] / kəˈmeɪ di ə dɛlˈɑr ti, kɔmˈmɛ dyɑ dɛlˈlɑr tɛ /

noun

plural

commedia dell'artes, commedias dell'arte,

plural

commedie dell'arte

1. Italian popular comedy, developed chiefly during the 16th–18th centuries, in which masked entertainers improvised from a plot outline based on themes associated with stock characters and situations.

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commedia dell'arte British  

/ kɔmˈmeːdia delˈlarte /

noun

1. a form of popular comedy developed in Italy during the 16th to 18th centuries, with stock characters such as Punchinello, Harlequin, and Columbine, in situations improvised from a plot outline

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Etymology

Origin of commedia dell'arte

1875–80; < Italian: literally, comedy of art

Example Sentences

That wasn’t surprising, since Molière’s gallery of stock characters, heavily influenced by commedia dell’arte, was of its time, despite some innovations and the social commentary he wove into many plays.

From New York Times • Jun. 23, 2022

The veteran performance artist John Kelly, playing a red-horned devil who accompanies Francis and his followers, contributes some intentional comedy and commedia dell’arte flavor.

From New York Times • Jun. 19, 2022

Since Faction of Fools specializes in commedia dell’arte, the centuries-old street-theater form, that tradition’s stylized physicality and character types mingle with the breezy references.

From Washington Post • May 2, 2022

The avant-garde ensemble, created by Ariane Mnouchkine, worked in the Italian commedia dell’arte tradition, using stock characters and masks.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2022

A recurring bit includes one of them choking on French fries; commedia dell’arte experience helpful.

From "Better Nate Than Ever" by Tim Federle