present
Harlequin's
Cloak
An original hand
puppet Commedia dell'arte Pantomime
Downloadable Colour Poster
(PDF format -
73KB)
Downloadable Instructional Guide
(PDF format - 98KB)
By the mid-15th Century, Commedia dell'Arte was known throughout Italy and was appearing across Europe. At first a rough, itinerant street theatre for the lower classes, Commedia evolved into a major influence in European and modern theatre - Moliere's classics are heavily influenced by Commedia and even modern television sitcoms owe more than a tip of the hat to its traditions.
Inspired by the world famous pantomime-dance performances in Copenhagen's Tivoli Gardens, Luman Coad has created his own vision based on the timeless adventures of Harlequin, Columbine, Pantalone, El Capitano, and Pierrot.
To introduce young audiences to the world of Commedia dell'Arte, "Harlequin's Cloak" opens as a troupe of itinerant plays set up their scenic banners on a Venice street.
The storyline is classically simple: Columbine, the ward of the elderly Pantalone, is destined to marry the pompous El Capitano. But plans go awry when she spies the dashing Harlequin. Pantalone's attempts to keep the young lovers apart only increase their desire to wed.
Meanwhile, Frau Franken, who lives next door, has designs on Harlequin and while he attempts to escape her clutches, Pantalone continues to advance his plans to marry Columbine to El Capitano.
Will the young lovers be united? Will Frau Franken find a man for herself? Will Pierrot ever make sense of the others' antics?
"Harlequin's Cloak" premiered at PuppetFest MidWest in July, 2004 before an enthusiastic group of puppeteers from across North America, Japan, and Belize. It has been awarded a Citation of Excellence in the Art of Puppetry by the American Center of l'Union Internationale de la Marionnette.
"Harlequin's Cloak" is an example of puppetry at its best." Puppetry Journal, Fall, 2005.
For further information or available dates please contact us.
"...a delightful romp...a visual feast..." Puppet Potpourri, Vancouver Guild of Puppetry