The history of the harlequinade, volume 1 (of 2)

The study traces the origins and evolution of popular comic performance from ancient improvisatory mimes and Greek theatrical forms through Roman pantomime and regional farce, explaining how masks, gestures, costume and musical accompaniment shaped a repertory of stock figures. It devotes chapters to principal types—Harlequin, Polichinelle, the Captain, Colombine, Pierrot, Lelio and Ruzzante—and describes their theatrical functions, improvisational methods, scenic contexts and iconography, relating changes in performance practice, social setting and audience reception across historical traditions.