Carlo Goldoni
The great reformer of Italian comedy, Goldoni replaced the improvised lazzi of commedia dell'arte with fully scripted, realistic plays. He wrote over 250 comedies depicting Venetian middle-class life with warmth and social acuity. His reforms were opposed by Carlo Gozzi, sparking a famous theatrical debate.
Works
- The Servant of Two MastersItalian comedy of a servant juggling two masters and endless chaos
- The Mistress of the InnComedic farce set in an inn featuring mistaken identities and romantic entanglements
- The Venetian TwinsComedy of errors centered on twin brothers causing chaos through mistaken identity
- Il CampielloVenetian comedy depicting everyday life and social interactions in urban setting
- Villeggiatura TrilogyTrilogy exploring the lives of wealthy families during their country retreats
- The FanComedy about a fan causing misunderstandings and romantic complications among aristocrats
- A Curious Mishap