Capitano

Masks & Equipment for the Capitano
of the Commedia dell'Arte

In the vast stage world of Commedia dell'Arte, a character of mighty presence and exaggerated clamor arises. The Capitano, a true fool of colossal stature, is a veritable monster of words, a fantastical prattler who mocks the shadow of the occupation weighing upon Italy's soil. His words may coil around the ears of those who listen to the tempest of his flatteries, yet in truth, a pitiable coward hides behind them. The Capitano is a man who puffs himself up like an inflated toad, swelling his chest with pride and carrying his chin held high. However, his words are mere hollow shells that bear no true valor. Like a lion that roars only to hide its lack of heart, so does the Capitano display nothing more than a facade of courage.

His appearance is as overwhelming as his language. He enters the stage with thunder and rumble, his body bursting with arrogance and volume. His attire is a glaring splash of colors, a puzzle of sheer extravagance. He is too adorned, too flamboyant, and excessively bedecked, as if his garish attire could overshadow the truth of his words. Yet behind this facade of inflated significance and theatrical boasting lies the truth about the Capitano – a feeble mind that trembles at the slightest challenge. His sword may gleam, but his heart is filled with trepidation. When it comes down to it, he flees as if the devil himself were pursuing him.

Thus, the Capitano is a character that brings laughter to the people while simultaneously venting their own fear and frustration over foreign rule. He is an expression of resistance, an absurd contrast between what he claims to be and what he actually is. In his theatrical exaggerations and ridiculous mannerisms, he reveals the inadequacy of those who pretend to rule over Italy. A king of lies, a master of deception – the Capitano, a tragic hero in a world of fools.