World Commedia Day 2025
A Celebration of Tradition and Innovation
As the world celebrates World Commedia Day on February 25, 2025, enthusiasts of the timeless theatrical tradition have plenty to look forward to. This year’s celebrations bring an exciting lineup of new endeavours to honour and expand the rich legacy of Commedia dell’Arte.
A Bumper Issue of Commedia Insights
Watch this space for a special one-off bumper edition of the Commedia Zannizine featuring contributions from both regular and new writers in the field, including a special ‘From the Archive’ feature with a full length reproduction of an original artefact from 1862: Album-Ricordo del Duttòur Balanzòn, featuring 22 pages of text and full-page illustrations. Here is a little sneak preview of the delights inside (here in translation):
“... when I am here, I am the Doctor. The Doctor is a man of principles: with principles, one can keep a house in order. When things go well, they don’t go bad; ‘evil doesn’t always harm’, as the proverb says. And proverbs tell the truth: Truth is always naked, but if you dress it up a little, it looks like smoke; and smoke is a genius; and geniuses don’t need much to be happy—just a lady, a lady... Sufficit. I won’t go on much longer, because what really matters is what you will find inside.
An Album full of drawings, pure secret whispers, and music too. Make a good purchase if you wish—otherwise, I’ll have to make do!”
Barry Grantham’s Video Release: Playing Commedia
Renowned for his expertise in physical theatre and Commedia dell’Arte, Barry Grantham will be releasing a video version of his book Playing Commedia. This visual addition will augment the textual guide offering performers, educators, and enthusiasts alike, an invaluable resource for learning Commedia techniques.
Commedia Workshop at Chalemie Summer School
For those looking to experience Commedia dell’Arte firsthand, Barry Grantham will be once more delivering Commedia workshops at Chalemie Summer School in July.
New Publications to Enrich the Commedia Canon
Several new books and archival materials are set to make their debut this year, including:
A full-length Commedia novel, inspired by the life the actor who brought Mezzotino to fame.
A new book on Carlo Boso, co-authored by Dr. Olly Crick and Peter Jordan, shedding light on the influential Commedia master’s contributions to the form.
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Happy Commedia dell’Arte Day!
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