Free ticket registration at: http://bit.ly/1rnt8i7Doctor Peter Jordan from City University of Hong Kong will give a short presentation to introduce the beginnings of professional theatre in 16th century Venice, which is the subject of his recent book, ‘The Venetian Origins of the Commedia dell’Arte’ (Routledge, 2014). Venice had an enormous influence on what came to be known as the Commedia dell’Arte and also spawned one of its principal characters, Pantalone de’ Bisognosi. There will then follow a performance presentation introducing many of the original masked characters of the Commedia dell’Arte, by Ms Eleonora Fuser and Mr Stefano Rota, who were for many years leading members of the legendary Venetian company, TAG Teatro. Finally, the evening will round off with a short question and answer session.