Commedia dell'Arte journal questions

Pantalone - Il Magnifico - Pantalone de' Bisognosi

1. What is your character's leading centre?

Normally, his shoulders are bent forward and he is standing sideways. He bent forward a little bit, but not like a child mimicking an old man, giving orders to his servants.


2. How can your knowledge of your character's leading centre help you to develop your character's leading gesture?

His leading gesture is significant looking at his hand. His hands flutter continously, gesticulating each thought as it comes into his had (Rudlin, Commedie dell'Arte: an Actor's Handbook). He is old in body but his head, feet, and hands are active.


3. If your character were an animal, what would he or she be? Explain the reasons for your choice.

I think Pantalone would be a rooster. A rooster's had is active and its posture would be confident. Also because Pantalone takes small steps, I think he would be a rooster.


4. What is your character's motivating force?

His motivating forces are money and sex. He is a successful and wealthy Venetian merchant in the 16th century.


5. How are your character's movements and mannerisms influenced by his or her motivating force?

Because of his obsession for money and sex, he always protects his money purse near his genital area and flatters on rich and young ladies, continuously moving his hands flutter.


6. How can you distinguish your character by his or her voice?

He has a high-pitched voice like chicken squawk. He speaks in Venetian dialect as he is a successful merchant from Venice, Italy.


7. What theme song (or incidental music) would be appropriate for your character? Explain your choice.

This shows the flirty characteristics of Pantalone, and I think the machoistic melody of this music would be good when he brags about his masculinity and wealth.

Lyrics : "Girl, You'll Be A Woman Soon"

Girl, you'll be a woman... soon

I love you so much, can't count all the ways
I've died for you girl and all they can say is
"He's not your kind"
They never get tired of putting me down
And I'll never know when I come around
What I'm gonna find
Don't let them make up your mind.
Don't you know...

Girl, you'll be a woman soon,
Please, come take my hand
Girl, you'll be a woman soon,
Soon, you'll need a man

I've been misunderstood for all of my life
But what they're saying girl it cuts like a knife
"The boy's no good"
Well I've finally found what I'm a looking for
But if they get their chance they'll end it for sure
Surely would
Baby I've done all I could
Now it's up to you...

Girl, you'll be a woman soon,
Please, come take my hand
Girl, you'll be a woman soon,
Soon, you'll need a man

Girl, you'll be a woman soon,
Please, come take my hand
Girl, you'll be a woman soon,
Soon but soon, you'll need a man