1st Edition
Commedia dell’Arte Reimagined Contemporary Practice and Pedagogy for a New Generation
1. Introduction 2. Historical Overview 3. Archetypes 4. Mask 5. Improvisation 6. Multilingualism 7. Slapstick and Stage Combat 8. Developing a Canovaccio 9. Digital Commedia: For Those Who Dare To Leap 10. Conclusion; Appendix A: Classroom Exercises: Scenes and Lazzi, Appendix B: Video Companion List, Appendix C: Expanded Glossary
Biography
Corinna Di Niro is a renowned Commedia dell'Arte director, performer, and researcher based in Australia. Through her company, Stage Secrets, and her academic work, she is recognised as a leading voice in revitalising this centuries-old Italian theatrical tradition—remaining faithful to its roots while making it relevant and accessible to contemporary audiences.
Corinna Di Niro stands within the proud lineage of discovery of the Arte, the Commedia par excellence, which refuses the easy or the superficial. She works with firm confidence, combining scientific precision of language with a disciplined attitude. She does not adhere to the petty fashion of clichés, deviant and belittling, very common these days. Corinna is clear, exact, a compagna di scena, stage partner, faithful to the first idea of the Commedia dell'Arte and its foundation: true, rigorous professionalism.
Antonio Fava, ArcomicA, Reggio Emilia, Italy
A must-have for drama educators, directors, and actors, this resource transforms Commedia dell'Arte from a distant tradition into a modern, vibrant, and accessible practice. Grounded in Corinna Di Niro’s extensive research and applied experience, this book and video collection is a valuable gift for anyone committed to inspiring the next generation of performers.
Lisa Brickell, Funny Business, Aotearoa / New Zealand
Corinna Di Niro has imbued Commedia dell’ Arte Reimagined with her deep knowledge and vast experience as a Commedia researcher, historian, lecturer, performer and director to ensure she offers practical and accessible approaches to exploring Commedia in both educational and performance settings. The relevance of this timely resource is highlighted by her inclusion of contemporary cultural and socio-political references, guiding readers to the potential use of digital and immersive technologies, while still honouring the origins and traditions of Commedia.
Dr Steven Gration, Independent Theatre Director/Researcher, Queensland, Australia
Corinna Di Niro’s passion, scholarship, and decades of experience have generated a cleverly woven text that unravels the seeming mysteries of the Commedia dell’Arte in a manner that will prove most useful - in many practical ways - to teachers, directors, and lovers of character-based physical comedy.
Dr Gerard Boland, Independent Scholar/Practitioner, New South Wales, Australia
