Commedia Character Shorts- Brighella (Chapter 5)

Brighella!

If you find yourself playing a servant on a Commedia stage, you had better keep your eyes on Brighella!  He is essentially Arlecchino's smarter and much more vindictive older brother. In fact, he has few good qualities save for his ability to entertain the audience.  He's a masterful liar, and can make up a spur-of-the moment lie for any situation. He is an inveterate schemer, and is good at what he does. If his plans fail, it was almost always out of luck on behalf of the other characters. Brighella is loosely categorized as one of the servant (zanni) characters, although he is often considered a member of the middle class, for instance, the owner of an inn in Servant of Two Masters.  As a servant, he will do whatever he can to put himself in a good light and gain his master's approval.  The nobles usually know Brighella to be trusty, helpful and resourceful. However, the other side of his personality is most cruel to those beneath him on the social ladder; he even goes so far as to kill on occasion. He will do anything that is to his advantage, no matter what the cost to those below him. It's probably not stretching the truth to say he would sell his own mother if it would benefit him!

He is an observer, and always keeps his cool...for is something upsets him he will get his revenge later either upon his aggressor or whoever is unfortunately near. His character is usually from Bergamo, same as our beloved Truffaldino. His name by itself briga, brigare is Italian for quarrel, trouble, intrigue.

Brighella mask by Antonio Fava

• Brighella's costume consists of a loose-fitting white smock and pants with green stripes and accents.  He often carries a knife in his belt which is useful as he is often in charge of the kitchen in his tavern or inn...and it's a good reminder to other servants who is really in charge.
• His mask is a half-mask displaying a look of lust and greed.Traditionally the mask is colored olive green.
• Brighella moves like a cat or panther...sly, quiet and light on his feet and always on the prowl. His chin and chest are carried forwards in the manner of a traditional zanni.

Check this out for an insider's look into how Piccolo Ensemble Member David W.M. Kelch approaches the role of Brighella and the form of Commedia dell'Arte in general.




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