Through little secrets and anecdotes, Paolo Rech presents the fascinating story of Arlecchino (Harlequin), the good-hearted and slightly dum servant of Commedia dell’Arte, who actually hides an intriguing past in the infernal crowds.
Arlecchino symbolises astuteness and adaptability, being a true maestro of improvisation, always getting by even in the most difficult situations. This character over the centuries has gone through a transformation into positiveness, and has become a great influence on many theatrical cultures worldwide. His name seems to come from "Hellequin" or “Helleking", a demon leading a crew of evil spirits in French Medieval mythology.
Paolo Rech tells us about his ancestors, who led the Caccia selvaggia (Wild Hunt), a mythological horde of savage spirits and animals, dogs in particular, spreading terror in the alpine and north-european nights.
The play is an occasion to see the origins of the most famous mask in the world in a new and ironic perspective. All this delivered in a simple and amusing theatrical language, that spans from the traditional puppet theatre to the actor’s theatre of Commedia dell’Arte.
