Nov. 6–8 and 13-15, 2020 at 8 p.m.

“The Artful Token” is a contemporary commedia dell’arte adaptation of Carlo Goldoni’s “La Vedova Scaltra” (“The Artful Widow”). The story follows Rosie, a gifted Black university sophomore who is learning to navigate an often racist and sexist world.

Credited with being the first form of professional theatre in Europe, commedia dell’arte was originally a grassroots theatrical movement known for its touring troupes of actors who satirized current social and political events through use of recognizable stock characters and ribald physical comedy. The art form emphasizes ensemble acting, enables the actors to develop the story, and uses the adornment of character masks as dramatic devices.

In this special production, student actor-creators have undertaken a creative-practice-as-research process to explore antiracist theatre principles and the opportunities and limitations of commedia as an antiracist and anti-oppressive form of theatre.

View/download the program here.

Content Warning:
Commedia dell'Arte is a centuries-old art form that is uncensored in its delivery. Performances are often bawdy and body-based in humor and involve themes that may be inappropriate for younger viewers. This show furthermore may contain discussion or representation of racist and sexist language and behavior.

This production is supported in part by an International Initiatives Small Grant from the Virginia Tech College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences.