BOOKTOUR
THE COMMEDIA
DELL' ARTE
an Introduction
By
Adam Darius
A concise and living history, this long-awaited book introduces one
of the theatre's most enduring and far-reaching influences, the fantastical
Commedia dell'Arte.
For drama students and actors alike, Adam Darius's illustrated introduction
to the Commedia dell'Arte will be the passport to a vanished land, distant
but now accessible.
"Everything you need to know about Commedia, written and researched
by a master practitioner, with the addition of practical exercises for
working actors, in an accessible handbook-sized Christmas stocking of a
book."
Richard E. Grant,
film star and author, London
"I admire Adam Darius's total art which is based on a rich experience
and knowledge. His newest book, The Commedia dell'Arte, provides an in-depth
but easy to read package of information on this ancient art form. The book
is equally suitable for the dance or opera professional, the student or
the ordinary theatregoer. It explains, in an interesting fashion, how these
strange, amusing and tragic figures, such as Harlequin, Columbine and Pagliaccio,
have, throughout the centuries, persistently survived in theatre art, and,
furthermore, what these characters can still offer to the people of the
present day."
Jorma Hynninen,
Finland's greatest baritone, Helsinki
"Adam Darius's latest book is an informed tome that brings to life
the history and art of the travelling actors, dancers and mimes who established
the theatrical discipline known as Commedia dell'Arte in 16th century Italy.
It is Darius's insightful descriptions, both physical and psychological,
of the Commedia's principal characters, that recommend it to dancers, actors,
singers and serious theatregoers."
Hal de Becker,
City Life, Las Vegas, U.S.A.
Sample pages
In UK: £9.95
In Finland: 16 euros
Paperback, 97 pages, 20 illustrations
ISBN 952-90-7188-4, published 1996
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