Zanni

This article is about the commedia characters. For the surname, see Zanni (surname).

Sketch of Harlequin, a popular Zanni character

Zanni (Italian: [ˈdzanni]), Zani or Zane is a character type of commedia dell'arte best known as an astute servant and a trickster. The Zanni comes from the countryside and is known to be a "dispossessed immigrant worker".[1][Note 1] Through time, the Zanni grew to be a popular figure who was first seen in commedia as early as the 14th century.[2] The English word zany derives from this character. The longer the nose on the characters mask, the more foolish the character.

  1. ^ Rudlin, John. Commedia dell'arte: An Actors Handbook. London: Routledge, 1994. 67. Print.
  2. ^ Nicoll M.A., Allardyce. Masks Mimes and Miracles: Studies in the Popular Theatre. New York: Cooper Square Publishers, INC., 1963. 263. Print.


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