Commedia dell'arte is a form of Italian theater that emerged in the 16th century, characterized by its use of masked stock characters, improvisational dialogue, and physical comedy. This theatrical style relied on a rich tradition of ensemble performance and was often performed in public spaces, allowing for a wide-ranging influence on later theatrical forms. The exaggerated makeup and costumes were vital in creating distinct character identities that are still referenced in modern theatre and makeup design.
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