The Character of Zanni in Commedia dellArte Essay Example

The Character of Zanni in Commedia dellArte Paper The Zanni are often referred to as ‘servant’ characters. However, Zanni have traditional uses for filling out other types of careers ranging from shopkeepers to politicians. They all are most commonly shows to be servants of the vecchi (which means ‘old men’) and innamorati (which means the romantic leads, also known as the ‘lovers’). The origin of the term Zanni indicates that rather, they are meant to represent commoners or the everyman. The Zanni are the most versatile of the commedia characters; they may be either working for someone, or may have their own motivations apart from any sides. Some stories, for example, The Marvellous Malady of Harlequin, omit the other character types altogether and focus squarely on the Zanni. The Zanni are often described as masked characters. The main trait which all the Zanni share is that they are supposed to be entertaining. This is most often achieved through comical behaviors and speeches, but can also be done through other methods like acrobatics or dancing. There were common qualities between all the Zanni characters: they all possessed common sense, intelligence, pride, a love for practical jokes and intrigue. The Zanni have a common costume which was a baggy white one, which was originally made of flour sacks: Their mask originates from the full-face Carnival mask: Their signature props include bags, letters, valuables, food and etc. , that belongs to someone else. Zanni stands with an arched back, with his knees bent and apart and his feet spread out. The support knee is bent with the other leg extended, toe pointed. The character changes feet repeatedly while talking or listening within the same position and without its head bobbing up and down. The elbows are bent and the arms half-lifted. We will write a custom essay sample on The Character of Zanni in Commedia dellArte specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on The Character of Zanni in Commedia dellArte specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on The Character of Zanni in Commedia dellArte specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer There are six types of Zanni walk: 1) little Zanni walk: this is a development of the basic stance, foot changing but taking a small step forward on each shift, 2) Big Zanni walk: a curved lumbar is first achieved by sticking chest forward and the backside up, 3) Zanni running: a swift movement with legs kicked alternately to the front with pointed toes, 4) Zanni jubilant: a skipping movement on the toes with the centre of gravity going from side-to-side, 5) Vain Zanni: steps are a smaller version of the big walk, with hands resting on belt, 6) Solider Zanni: hold a stick cupped in one hand and inclined over shoulder like a rifle. Zanni’s movements are dynamic and exaggerated. Their gestures/actions are always urgent. They appear nervous; talk a lot and their head moves constantly. The nose defines the rhythm of his body since it is the center of his actions. The hands are very expressive and constantly used to illustrate what he is saying. While delivering their dialogues, they speak open-mouthed and loud. Bibliography: * Commedia Stock Characters Zanni. Â  Shane Arts Home Page. N. p. , n. d. Web. 11 Aug. 2013. http://shane-arts. com/Commedia-Zanni. htm