The Commedia Trilogy

George Herman's trilogy of plays depicts the rise of the Commedia dell'arte in Renaissance Italy to its demise in the French Courts.  

The Eve of All Saints suggests the historical beginnings of a ribald troup of players performing street theatre in Renaissance Italy known as commedia dell'arte.  The nine characters who make up this zany collection of misfits come together through a series of "necessities".    Click here for sample dialogue

The Saints at Twilight have achieved a degree of success and notoriety which brings them to the attention of the French Court. However, they find that the courts require a script be presented for approval prior to a performance.  This restriction curtails the spontaneous improvisation that was their trade-mark and they are forced back to their origins.    Click here for sample dialogue

The Company of Wayward Saints is the most popular of this series and won the McKnight Foundation award in 1964.  The company has been on the road for 500 years and bickering and infighting has affected their ability to perform together until - well you will have to read the play to find out.   Click here for sample dialogue