Zanni
Zanni (Italian: [ˈdzanni]), Zani or Zane is a character type of commedia dell'arte best known as an astute servant and a trickster.
[1][Note 1] Through time, the Zanni grew to be a popular figure who was first seen in commedia as early as the 14th century.
The name "Zanni" (as well as "Zuan") is a variant of the name Gianni and was common in the Lombard-Venetian countryside which provided most of the servants to the wealthy nobles and merchants of Venice.
Harlequin, for example, was more representative of a jester than an ordinary servant and was frequently depicted as very acrobatic.
For example, Zan Ganassa was the stage name of Alberto Naseli, who was one of the first actors specializing in Zanni roles to perform outside of Italy.
[6] Some characters in commedia that are derived from Zanni are Harlequin, Brighella, Scapino, Mescolino and Mezzettino, Scaramuccia (aka Scaramouche), Pulcinella, Pedrolino, Giangurgolo, Tartaglia, Trappolino, and Burratino.
Zanni is also always hungry, which leads to a vision of Utopia where "everything is comestible, reminiscent of the followers of gluttony in carnival processions".
[8] Zanni is born into an immigrant background and is known for performing both "duty and necessity" and also plays an active role in the "game" of breaking up and unifying relationships.
Zanni's stupidity prevents him from performing simple tasks, while his genius gives him the ability to make the impossible possible.
The job of the first Zanni is to advance the action and give it some movement, with a slightly cynical twist.
[11] Second Zanni, in particular with Harlequin, does not so much advance plot as maintain a steady stream of comic relief throughout the scenario.
[8] Before developing this dualistic person of the two types of clever and silly servant, Zanni was a character in its own right.
If the partner does not reply to them at the right moment or interrupts them in the wrong place, the actor's "discourse falters and the liveliness of their wit is extinguished".
A specific type of Zanni, Brighella, wore accents of green to indicate his tricky and devious nature.
[15] The stance of Zanni has a "lowered centre of gravity" either from the earth or from carrying heavy bags and chairs.
[21] Zanni Running includes swift movements with legs kicking out in front of him with his toes pointed.
[21] The Zanni is loud and his voice is coarse due to making a living outdoors trying to be heard in a market or busy street.
[22] The following sample dialogue shows how the Zanni uses his speech in commedia: [23] A lazzo is a joke or gag in mime or in words.
[24] The following lazzi examples are short comic routines by the character type Zanni.
"[27][Note 3] Another popular lazzi was Zanni walking behind his master mounted on a mule and goading it to go faster by blowing air from a pair of bellows onto the animal's anus.
