Inside the Classroom: With Lenka Pichlíková

The Commedia and Pantomime course taught by Lenka Pichliková Burke introduces students to the the history and contemporary practice of physical theatre and the traditions of commedia dell’arte and pantomime.

Through both lectures and activities such as mask making, scenario creation, and the physical practice of the form.

An early form of theatre originating in Italy, commedia dell’arte translates as “comedy of professional artists” and features masked actors who represent stock characters such as the Harlequin, Pantalone, and Scaramouche and perform with physical elements such as dance, tumbling, and acrobatics.

An offshoot of commedia dell’arte, pantomime featured the same characters, who instead told classical stories through music with no speech.

Students show off their commedia dell-arte masks: (clockwise from left to right) Kimberly Crossway as Pulchinella, Edith Gregg as Dottore, Oliver Copeland as Pantalone, Eva Doyle as Brighella, Belle Wood as Arlecchina, and, in mime makeup, Lenka Pichliková, Visiting Assistant Professor of Theatre and Performance.