La Calandria by Bernardo,‏ da Bibbiena Dovizi

Description

La Calandria by Bernardo Dovizi da Bibbiena is a comedic play written in the early 16th century. The work explores themes of love, identity, and mistaken perceptions, highlighting the antics and dramas surrounding characters like Lidio, who navigates the complexities of love while disguising himself as a woman. It draws on the conventions of commedia dell’arte, utilizing witty dialogue and humorous situations to entertain its audience. The opening of La Calandria introduces a vibrant world filled with familial bonds, love intrigues, and comedic misunderstandings. We meet Lidio, who, believing his sister Santilla to be dead, disguises himself as a woman to find love and navigate societal expectations, all while remaining intertwined with his family and friends. Other key players such as Calandro, who is infatuated with Lidio (believing him to be a woman), and Fessenio, a clever servant who orchestrates much of the comedic chaos, set the stage for a lively exploration of mistaken identity and romantic pursuits. The narrative unfolds with an array of humorous interactions, showcasing the social dynamics of the time and the absurdities that ensue from love and deception. (This is an automatically generated summary.)