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Brighella (Bergamasque dialect:Brighèla) is a masked comic character from theItalian theatre stylecommedia dell'arte. His early costume consisted of loose-fitting whitesmock and pants with green trim and was often equipped with abatocio (alsobatacchio orbattacio, depending on region) orslapstick, or else with a wooden sword. Later, he took to wearing a sort oflivery with a matching cape. He wore a greenish half-mask (traditionally an olive-green color) displaying a look ofpreternaturallust andgreed. It is distinguished by a hook nose and thick lips, along with a thick twirled mustache to give him an offensive characteristic.[1] He evolved out of the generalZanni, as evidenced by his costume, and came into his own around the start of the 16th century.[2]
He is loosely categorized as one of the Zanni or servant characters, although he often was portrayed as a member of themiddle class, such as atavern owner: his character could be adapted to whatever the needs to the scenario might be, just as Brighella himself is adaptable to any circumstance. He is essentiallyHarlequin's smarter and much more vindictive older brother.[citation needed] They both share the same traditional birthplace:Bergamo, a city in northern Italy. As in a stereotype of those who have risen frompoverty, he is often most cruel to those beneath him on the social ladder; he even goes so far as to kill on occasion.[3] In later versions of his character, these violent and malicious traits were lessened substantially. Pierre Louis Duchartre, in hisThe Italian Comedy, theorizes that in France, the gentrified Brighella eventually culminated in the character ofFigaro, known from the plays and operas.[citation needed]
Brighella is a masterful liar, and can make up a spur-of-the moment lie for any situation. He is an inveterate schemer, and he is good at what he does. If his plans fail, it was almost always out of luck on behalf of the other characters. When he is a servant, he will either serve his master devotedly or look for every opportunity to ruin and take advantage of him as he happens to see fit—whatever will gain the greatest advantage for himself and himself alone. He is fond of money, but spends it rapidly, and tends to be especially fond of the drink. In fact, he has few good qualities, save for his ability to entertain the audience.[1]
His walk is distinguishable from the traditional Zanni movement by the torso bending from side to side, while the head stays vertical. The knees stay open and the elbows bend down with each movement of the leg.[4]
His character is usually from uptownMilan orBergamo, and in the original Italian, would often speak with the local accent. He could be very witty and fond ofword play. He is also an accomplished singer, dancer and musician, and sometimes would play the guitar on stage.
His name comes from an Italian word which can mean "bother" or "contention";Florio's 1611 Italian-English Dictionary definesbriga as meaning "a brable, a braule, a contention". Brighella in English would be therefore something like 'Fighty' or 'Brawly'. The other Italian wordattaccabrighe ('hellraiser') utilizes the same element.
17th century:
18th century:
A list of variations of the character, according to Duchartre, are: