Bistro Don Giovanni, Napa Valley

COMMEDIA DELL' ARTE (Italian Comedy of Art)
Improvisational street theatre famous in the 16th century with roots in ancient Roman times, eventually having enormous influence throughout Europe for three centuries. The performed farces, parodies and political satires. The actors, who where also musicians and acrobats, traveled from town to town with portable props and stage structures. Each character represented a locality in Italy and its customs. They each wore distinctive costumes and half masks, which covered the upper portion of their faces.
Our Four Characters
Pantaloon-	From Venice. Lecherous, miserly, old merchant who is always the object of ridicule.
Harlequin -	From Bergamo. His character is a mixture of naivete, wit, stupidity and grace. Most agile.
Pulcinella -	From Naples. Witty, clever, responsible, gluttonous, selfish, curmudgeon.
MeoPatacca -	From Rome. Street smart, tough guy. His profile is an exaggeration of the classic Roman features.