Atellan Farce

Definition

Atellan Farce is a form of ancient Italian theatrical performance that originated from the Oscan-speaking region of Italy and is characterized by its improvisational style and comedic elements. This genre was known for its stock characters, exaggerated physical comedy, and farcical situations, which made it a precursor to later comedic forms in Roman theater, especially in the works of playwrights like Plautus. The blend of humor and physicality found in Atellan Farce significantly influenced the development of farcical elements in Plautine plays.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Atellan Farce emerged around the 3rd century BCE and was performed at festivals and public events in ancient Italy.
2. The performances often featured improvisation, allowing actors to adapt their routines based on audience reactions, which made each show unique.
3. The characters in Atellan Farce were often larger-than-life figures, such as the foolish old man or the cunning servant, who engaged in absurd situations.
4. This theatrical form was an important influence on Roman comedy, providing a foundation for the comedic style that would be refined by playwrights like Plautus.
5. Atellan Farce has been noted for its use of physicality, with performers frequently engaging in slapstick routines that emphasized visual humor over dialogue.

Review Questions

• How did Atellan Farce influence the character types found in Plautine plays?
  • Atellan Farce significantly shaped the character types used in Plautine plays through its reliance on stock characters. These stock characters included recognizable figures like the clever slave and the braggart soldier, which provided audiences with familiar comedic archetypes. By adopting these character types, Plautus was able to create engaging narratives filled with humor that resonated with audiences while maintaining a connection to the improvisational roots of Atellan Farce.
• In what ways does Atellan Farce embody elements of physical comedy that are also present in Plautus's works?
  • Atellan Farce is characterized by its emphasis on physical comedy, which is evident in the exaggerated movements and visual gags used by performers. This approach is mirrored in Plautus's works, where physicality plays a crucial role in driving humor and engaging audiences. The slapstick routines common in both forms highlight how important physical expression is to comedic storytelling, creating a vibrant atmosphere that enhances the overall enjoyment of the performance.
• Evaluate the significance of Atellan Farce in the evolution of Roman theater and its impact on subsequent comedic traditions.
  • Atellan Farce holds significant importance in the evolution of Roman theater as it laid the groundwork for future comedic traditions. Its improvisational nature and focus on stock characters allowed for a flexible framework that later playwrights like Plautus built upon to create more structured narratives while maintaining a sense of spontaneity. The farcical elements that originated from Atellan Farce have persisted through time, influencing not just Roman comedy but also later European theatrical forms, ensuring that its legacy endures within modern comedy.

Related terms

Plautus: A Roman playwright known for his comedies that heavily utilized elements of Atellan Farce, focusing on clever dialogue and slapstick humor.

Stock Characters: Recurring character types commonly found in comedic genres, including the clever slave and the braggart soldier, that help drive the humor in Atellan Farce.

Physical Comedy: A style of humor that emphasizes exaggerated movements and visual gags, central to both Atellan Farce and the plays of Plautus.