Arts Archives 1993-94 / 8

The masks of the Italian Commedia Dell'Arte are well-known; but how they are used, their movements and characteristics, their social meanings, less no. This video archive concentrates upon the commedia masks of the Italian mask maker and actor Antonio Fava. Antonio Fava, one of Italy's leading exponents of commedia Dell'Arte, worked with Lecoq and Dario Fo before founding the "International School of Comic Acting" in Reggio Emilia. He has taught and performed widely both in Europe and in French-speaking Africa. This video archive is concerned with the commedia masks made by Fava and with how they are used in action. Also included is Fava's performance of Pulchinella. Additional commentary and analysis is by John Rodlin, author of a book on Commedia, to be published by Routledge.