If you’ve ever wondered how Commedia dell’arte got its start or what the term "lazzi" means, here’s a great article for you to read (see link below).  Now when you go to see The Three Cuckolds, you’ll be the smartest person in the theatre!

Commedia

We’re extremely lucky to have David Yeakle here directing the season-opener, The Three Cuckolds.  David has found his niche with Commedia dell’arte and specifically this play which is an adaptation of an anonymous playwright’s 16th century work.  If you would like to read more about David’s experience directing The Three Cuckolds, click on the link below.  Welcome to Greenville, David! 

Here’s the link:

http://www.austinchronicle.com/gyrobase/Issue/story?oid=oid%3A284193

As a Commedia dell’arte piece, The Three Cuckolds takes us into the world of slapstick.  Here is some background on this comedic genre:

"Slapstick, the style of commedia comedy, is the rough and tumble physical comedy that many of us first experienced watching The Three Stooges or Roadrunner cartoons. The name comes from a prop carried by Arlecchino as a bat used to strike other characters. The slapstick was made from two pieces of wood designed to slap together making a loud noise." 

Here’s a photo of a traditional slapstick: 

Hi Blogmeisters,

Well, as resident dramaturg I hope to post some neat little tidbits each week regarding the current Main Stage plays.  Here’s the first morsel for The Three Cuckolds:

Did you know that the word "cuckold" is derived from the French word for cuckoo?  A cuckold is a husband with an adulterous wife. 

The cuckoo occupies the nest and eats the eggs of other birds; and Dr. Samuel Johnson says "it was usual to alarm a husband at the approach of an adulterer by calling out ‘Cuckoo,’ which by mistake was applied in time to the person warned."

If you have any questions about this hilarious season-opener, just ask!