Studj Sull' Arte Drammatica

Studj Sull' Arte Drammatica by Francesco Righetti. This book surveys the history of Italian dramatic art, from ancient theatre roots through the medieval and Renaissance eras to the early modern period. It traces the development of dramatic genres in Italy, the controversy over the theatre's morality, and the rise of the commedia dell'arte with its masked characters such as Arlecchino and Brighella, and their performance traditions. The work discusses how Latin and Greek precedents shaped Italian tragedy and comedy, the influence of Christian thinkers on stage, and the later transformation of Italian theatre under reform-minded princes and patrons. It highlights pivotal figures—including Riccoboni, Goldoni, Metastasio, Alfieri, and Monti—whose writings and performances helped modernize the stage. The book also includes biographical sketches, critical essays on acting and declamation, and a compendium of early Italian scenari and dramatic forms, offering a comprehensive portrait of a theatre that was long considered provincial but ultimately contributed richly to European drama.