Pulcinella is one of the most famous characters in the history of commedia dell'arte. Whereas Arlecchino became the popular Mask for audiences of troupes in Northern Italy, Pulcinella was the fan favorite in the south. He is a vile, violent, and vicious man. His mind is twisted as his hunchback body. He laughs at the misfortune of others - especially if he caused them. He often seeks a quarrel and enjoys bloodshed. He's a good fighter - feral, unpredictable, terrifying, crazy, and uncaring if he himself gets struck back. He believes the world and everyone in it are as twisted as he is so he treats them according. However, Pulcinella, unlike many commedia characters, is not one to boast. Even if he admits to his violence, he doesn't brag about his actions - for they simply were just in his view of the world and he very egotistical believing his view must be correct without question. Usually, though, he will avoid responsible, pretending innocence and ignorance and pretend to be good-humored and friendly. He will often pretend he is clever if he is dumb or incompetent if he is crafty. He is capable of filling many roles and disguises. Pulcinella could be a zanni but he isn't submissive to his employers. He could be a low class businessman who beats his servants or customers. He could be a mercenary soldier, hired goon, school-master, spy, or (as unlikely as it sounds) a poet! Unlike most of the other Masks, Pulcinella is often married to a servetta called Rosetta and sometimes a baby child. Through feigning love one moment and hatred the next, he is just as violent to them though his wife often gives as much as she receives. This dynamic led to the infamous Punch and Judy puppet plays. It might seem strange that such a despicable character was popular. However, he was a symbol of freedom for many men at the time. He did not bow down to the authority of his masters, of the aristocracy, the law, or even his wife. He was seen as fighting back against everything trying to hold the common man down. Though Pulcinella is not traditionally seen in scenarios with many of the other principle Masks of commedia, we have found in some plays he can be useful as a cold and calculating psychopath.

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The Confused Greenies is an officially recognized student organization by the Undergraduate Student Government (USG) of Case Western Reserve University but The Confused Greenies do not represent USG or the University or its policies. i Verdi Confusi is an active troupe in the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA) but is not an officially recognized entity nor represents the SCA, any local chapters, or policies. Email the troupe at lazzi@case.edu with any questions or comments. This page last updated on Wednesday, January 14, 2009.