Sample work Drama Stage 5: Commedia dell'arte monologue
Work samples aligned to grades assist teachers to develop their understanding of the achievement standards at each grade level.
Description of activity
Students research one of the stock characters from Commedia dell'Arte, eg Pantalone, Il Capitano, Columbina. They improvise a scene as this character. Students then write a monologue which introduces the character and the setting, and provides some insight into the personality and plot function of the character.
Context
Students have been learning about the stock characters and performance traditions of Commedia dell’Arte. They are familiar with the personality and movement characteristics of a range of stock characters and have improvised scenes as these characters.
Outcomes
A student:
- 5.1.2 contributes, selects, develops and structures ideas in improvisation and playbuilding
- 5.1.3 devises, interprets and enacts drama using scripted and unscripted material or text
- 5.1.4 explores, structures and refines ideas using dramatic forms, performance styles, dramatic techniques, theatrical conventions and technologies.
Criteria for assessing learning
(These criteria would normally be communicated to students with the activity.)
Students will be assessed on their ability to:
- demonstrate knowledge and understanding of Commedia dell’Arte and its stock characters
- develop a script for a stock character that demonstrates an effective understanding of the representation of the character in the performance space.
Graded student work samples
Work sample feedback
Reese
Reese has demonstrated an extensive understanding of Comedia dell'Arte conventions and the stock character, Il Capitano. There is evidence of research in the verbose and comic nature of the character's speech, reference to his mask and status.
The script reveals the contradictory nature of Il Capitano's personality but would benefit from reference to his cowardice which is important to his role in the plot. There is a very high level of competence in the manipulation of elements of drama such as pace and rhythm, and in the use of humour. Reese has demonstrated a sophisticated awareness of how Commedia dell'Arte can be placed in a contemporary context. This work sample demonstrates characteristics of work typically produced by a student performing at grade A standard.
Kendall
Kendall has demonstrated a sophisticated understanding of Commedia dell'Arte conventions and the stock character, Pedrolino. Research has been used to perceptively develop the character's physicality, status, personality traits and relationships with other characters. The script has an effective cyclic structure and incorporates humour and direct appeals to the audience.
An extensive understanding of the performance elements of Commedia dell'Arte is evident in the use of stage directions to indicate movement and use of space. The script is engaging and cleverly incorporates the plot function of the character. This work sample demonstrates characteristics of work typically produced by a student performing at grade A standard.
Shannon
Shannon has demonstrated a thorough understanding of Commedia dell'Arte conventions and the stock character, Pantalone. A clear sense of character has been developed through the use of language and suggestions for vocalisation. Effective research is evident in the portrayal of the relationships between Pantalone and other stock characters.
Contemporary language, humour and direct address have been used to develop the actor/audience relationship. The script indicates a strong sense of staging and competent manipulation of dramatic elements such as timing but the narrative is simplistic. This work sample demonstrates characteristics of work typically produced by a student performing at grade B standard.
Drew
Drew has demonstrated a thorough understanding of Commedia dell'Arte conventions and the stock character, Il Capitano. There is evidence of effective research in the interaction with the audience and in the engaging use of humour to establish the arrogance, cowardice and bravado of Il Capitano. Detailed and appropriate stage directions help establish the character and indicate a thorough understanding of the performance conventions.
There is a clear sense of theatricality and of the plot function of the character, but the script could be enhanced by reference to Il Capitano's relationship with other stock characters. This work sample demonstrates characteristics of work typically produced by a student performing at grade B standard.
Bobby
Bobby has demonstrated a thorough understanding of Commedia dell'Arte conventions and the stock character, Pantalone. There is evidence of effective research in the detailed portrayal of the character and the use of visual and verbal humour.
Bobby has demonstrated a high level of competence in manipulating elements of drama such as timing, but could develop movement and narrative structure more effectively. There is a clear awareness of the actor/audience relationship but the script would benefit from a stronger indication of Pantalone's plot function. This work sample demonstrates characteristics of work typically produced by a student performing at grade B standard.
Jules
Jules has demonstrated a sound understanding of Comedia dell'Arte conventions and the stock character, Isabella. Relationships between Isabella and the other characters have been clearly shown in the script, demonstrating evidence of research and providing some plot complication.
An awareness of the actor/audience relationship has been demonstrated in the direct address to the audience at the beginning of the monologue but the dramatic action of the script would be enhanced by the development of the complication rather than the character simply reporting her situation.
Elements of drama such as tension, mood and atmosphere, have been adequately manipulated, but the script would benefit from specific stage directions indicating Isabella's movements. This work sample demonstrates characteristics of work typically produced by a student performing at grade C standard.
Jessie
Jessie has demonstrated a basic understanding of Commedia dell'Arte conventions and the stock character, Pantalone. A signature prop has been used and some of Pantalone's personality traits have been shown but the character's physicality is not evident and there is little indication of his relationships to other stock characters.
An appropriate actor/audience relationship has been established through the direct address in the opening and closing of the monologue, and there is a basic understanding of the historical context. Dramatic elements such as timing and language have been used but the script is disjointed and stage directions have not been included. This work sample demonstrates characteristics of work typically produced by a student performing at grade D standard.
Ariel
Ariel has demonstrated a basic understanding of Commedia dell'Arte conventions and the stock character of a female servant. The character has not been specified and the brief monologue relies on the audience's pre-existing knowledge rather than introducing the character.
There is little indication of the character's relationships with other stock characters despite some evidence of research. A basic understanding of the social and political purpose of Commedia dell'Arte has been demonstrated but there is little or no evidence of staging conventions in the script and the monologue lacks humour. This work sample demonstrates characteristics of work typically produced by a student performing at grade D standard.