How does commedia dell arte theatre changed over the years?

Answer 1

Commedia dell'arte has evolved significantly since its origins in the 16th century, transitioning from spontaneous, improvisational performances by masked characters to more structured theatrical productions. In the 18th and 19th centuries, it influenced the development of modern theatre, incorporating elements like scripted dialogue and complex plots while maintaining its distinctive stock characters. The rise of realism and naturalism led to a decline in traditional commedia styles, but its legacy persists in contemporary theatre, comedy, and improvisation. Today, it is often revived and adapted, blending classical techniques with modern themes and forms.