Arlecchino and the City of Love by Lorraine Thompson is based on Commedia dell-arte, an early form of professional Italian theatre, popular in Europe in the 16th to the 18th centuries.
Later Shakespearean characters (Falstaff), the French Harlequin, traditional English puppet characters (Punch & Judy) and even modern film characters (Harley Quin and the Joker) trace their evolution back to these early archetypes.
Commedia has various masked archetypes (the miser Pantalone, the braggard Capitano) as well as unmasked lovers (though the play’s lovers also wear masks when they want to hide!). Venice to this day sees its inhabitants and visitors wearing elaborate costumes and masks during Carnivale time.
In keeping with the period of the play, musical interludes in the performance feature local musician and Wolumla School of Music principal Dean Gray on mandolin.
Will Orazio find the previous jewel he seeks and his lost love Isabella? Or will La Bella Giulia Prezioso stand in their way? Will Georgina and Lelio mend their ways? Will Florindo find his true heart’s desire? Will Vittoria and Corine be able to deliver the lost letters? Will Arlecchino and Columbina find love? And what about silent Paolo and chatty Spinetta? Will the Capitano steal Georgina’s heart? And who will pay for everything? Not miserly old Pantalone if he can help it! Join this wonderful cast in the city of love – Venice!
The talented actors in this performance are aged from 13 to 18 and attend StageFlight Drama School, established on the Sapphire Coast in 2012 to offer young people classes in acting, directing. film making and more through after-school and holiday workshops. Many of its students have gone on to tertiary theatre studies or to appear in other live theatre and film productions. It’s also an opportunity for students to find their “tribe” outside of the school context.
Limited tickets are available from the twyford.com.au or by calling 0421 199 910.