Date: 26 October 2023
Time: 8:00pm
Venue: McAulay Studio, Hong Kong Arts Centre
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Italian Cultural Institute Hong Kong and Fraternal Compagnia are bringing Commedia dell’Arte to Hong Kong for one night only with the performance named Masquerade and Mask!
Masquerade and Mask is a play that walks the viewer through the story of Commedia dell’Arte, from its formation to the Goldonian’s reform. The cornerstone of this theatrical genre can be identified in the darkest historical era: the Middle Age. From here the evolution of this genre goes hand-in-hand with the reflourish of art, the development of trades and the beginning of the Italian theater. Commedia dell’arte can be considered, along with sculptures, music and paintings, one of the reasons that made Italy the cultural center of Europe.
This performance shows the history of the theatrical genre that inspired the development of the grand opera, pantomime, mime, improvisation, and comic techniques. Last but not least it started the development of stock figures that are still used today and represent the society, the culture and the history of that historical period.
This play, Masquerade and mask, works on theatrical scenarios from the 14th century as well as contemporary ones, written by our actors during the years. These scenarios, inspired by Shakespeare and Moliere or by the more recent director Dario Fo, changed during the years to suit the new audience. The actors bring to life their characters thanks to the use of masks that are the magical tool that is characteristic of this form of theater. At the end of each performance the crew is going to answer all the questions and curiosities of the audience and to show them closely the asks used by the actors.
Cast
Luca Comastri, Tania Passarni, Gabriel Bird
About Fraternal Compagnia
Fraternal Compagnia APS was founded in 2000 and in over 20 years of activity we worked in several different areas: projects dedicated to schools, support for homeless and minors at risk, spreading of Commedia dell’Arte, issues related to gender inequality, theatrical professional training, organization of Festivals.
In 2010 we organized the First World Commedia dell’Arte Day in Bologna, sponsored by UNESCO and ITI – International Theater Institute – Italian Centre. In 2012 we won the ENRIQUEZ AWARD 2012. We went in Japan, Turkey, Poland, France and Spain thanks to collaborations with various universities. Our crew is supported by the Municipality of Bologna Culture Department, by the Emilia Romagna Region, the Monte Foundation and since 2021 by the Ministry of Italian Culture.