There has been an enormous revival of interest in Commedia dell'arte & it remians a central part of many drama school courses In Commedia dell'arte in the Twentieth Century John Rublin first examines the orgins of this vital theatrical form & charts its recent revival through the work of companies like Tag Theatre de Complicite & the influential methods of Jacques Lecoq The second part of the book provides a unique practical guide for would-be practitioners demonstrating how to approach the roles of Zanni Arlecchion Brighella Pantalone Dottore & the Lovers in terms of movement mask-work & voice As well as offering a range of lazzi or comic business improvisation exercises sample monologuesand dialogues No other book so clearly outlines the specific culture of Commedia or provides such a practical guide to its techniques This immensely timely & useful handbook will be an essential purchase for all actors students & teachers