Befriending the Commedia Dell'arte of Flaminio Scala by Natalie Crohn Schmitt

The readership for this book should extend beyond Italian studies scholars and those interested in Renaissance studies to include scholars of theatre history and early modern performance.The most important theatrical movement in sixteenth- and early seventeenth-century Europe, the commedia dell’arte has inspired playwrights, artists, and musicians including Molière, Dario Fo, Picasso, and Stravinsky.

“Natalie Schmitt’s research in Befriending the Commedia dell’Arte of Flaminio Scala offers a genuinely new take on important material. Maria Galli Stampino, Department of Modern Languages and Literatures, University of Miami: ‘Like Seneca’s bees, Professor Schmitt has collected nectar from different species of flowers and skillfully blended it into a most digestible form of honey… This book is a delight to read.’ It is an asset to any scholar of Italian studies, Renaissance studies, theatre, performance, the commedia dell'arte, and many other areas of research and interest.’ ‘This book offers a fresh perspective on not only the four specific scenarios of focus, but on the opus of Flaminio Scala and, by extension, on the commedia dell'arte. ‘Professor Schmitt's beautiful and incisively detailed book goes a long way to celebrate their inspirational genius.’ Natalie Crohn Schmitt debunks this perception, using the work of Flaminio Scala to illustrate the commedia dell'arte's rich craftsmanship and social commentary. The commedia dell'arte was one of the most important theatrical movements in early modern Europe… The genre is widely viewed as superficial. ‘I recommend the sound methodology, as well as the rich dramaturgical information, that this book provides to anyone considering bringing one of Scala's Commedia dell'arte scenarios to life.’ ‘Schmitt’s approach to Scala’s scenarios is eminently sensible in its practicality and highly impressive for its pedagogical potential….

‘Schmitt leaves us with a rich dramaturgical document to foster our respect for Scala’s commedia dell’arte… Her deep appreciation of Scala shines through.’ ‘Schmitt’s project challenges the next generation of scholars to see beyond the arbitrary division of textual or cultural history in order to mine the rich material provided in the hundreds of extant commedia scenarios yet to be fully explored.’

Befriending the Commedia Dell'arte of Flaminio Scala by Natalie Crohn Schmitt