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Who is Brighella, the commedia dell'arte mask?
- SumMaSk
- May 7
- 1 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Brighella is an essential servant in the Commedia dell'arte, originating from Bergamo. He shares some traits with Arlecchino, particularly his cunning nature. One could even say that Brighella is a slightly older, more portly Arlecchino, better off financially, but still haunted by the hardships of his past. He is loyal and helpful, but also very scheming, even quarrelsome and insolent.
Who is Brighella, the commedia dell'arte mask
What are the origins of Brighella ?
Brighella is from Bergamo in Lombardy. Brighella comes from "brigare" which means master of cunning, hence this character is cunning (in Italian, "attacabrighe" also means quarrelsome).
What are the characteristics of Brighella ?Who is Brighella, the commedia dell'arte mask
Brighella is an iconic and one of the most consistent valets in the Commedia dell'arte. He is dressed in white and green with a dark mask.
He is insolent and boastful when he is out of sight. His mask has rounded features, while retaining, like Harlequin's, a certain mischievousness.
Characters such as Figaro and Scapin are inspired by Brighella.
Article based on the texts of Pierangelo and Robin Summa: La maschera è libertà, storia di un'insurrezione teatrale.
Libretto 1 : le origini della commedia dell'arte e qualche suo personaggio, Il Quaderno Edizioni
