Theatrical Improvisation: History, Spread, and Success in Italy
The concept of theatrical improvisation, which was officially recognized in North America during the late 20th century, made its way to Europe, especially in Italy, where 'commedia all'improvviso' originated. In Italy, a league was established for educators and performers to organize popular improvisation 'matches'. In these events, participants take on roles as actors, writers, and directors, often engaging with audience suggestions. Notable contributors to this art form include Viola Spolin, Keith Johnstone, Robert Gravel, and Del Close. The LIIT was established in Florence in 1988 by Francesco Burroni, Fiamma Negri, Daniela Morozzi, and Bruno Cortini, making its first appearance in Milan in 1991. Burroni introduced the Match d'improvvisazione teatrale, originally created in 1977 by Gravel and Leduc, to Italy in 1989. Additionally, variations like Comicoro were initiated by Silvia Laniado and Flavia Chiacchella.
Key facts
- Theatrical improvisation was formally defined in the second half of the 20th century in North America.
- Italy was the cradle of 16th-century 'commedia all'improvviso'.
- Key figures include Viola Spolin, Keith Johnstone, Robert Gravel, and Del Close.
- LIIT (Lega Italiana Improvvisazione Teatrale) was founded in Florence in 1988 by Francesco Burroni, Fiamma Negri, Daniela Morozzi, and Bruno Cortini.
- LIIT's first Milan show was in 1991 at Caffé Teatro Nobel.
- Teatribù was founded in 1999 by Mari Rinaldi and Andy Ferrari.
- Teatro del Vigentino in Milan is directed by Isabella Cremonesi.
- The Match d'improvvisazione teatrale was invented in 1977 by Robert Gravel and Yvon Leduc.
- Francesco Burroni introduced the Match to Italy in 1989 and organized the first national championship in Florence in 1990.
- Improteatro gained professional association status in 2018.
- Comicoro was created by Silvia Laniado and Flavia Chiacchella of Circo Madera in Turin.
Entities
Artists
- Viola Spolin
- Keith Johnstone
- Robert Gravel
- Del Close
- Francesco Burroni
- Fiamma Negri
- Daniela Morozzi
- Bruno Cortini
- Mari Rinaldi
- Andy Ferrari
- Isabella Cremonesi
- Yvon Leduc
- Silvia Laniado
- Flavia Chiacchella
- Laura Bevione
Institutions
- LIIT (Lega Italiana Improvvisazione Teatrale)
- Caffé Teatro Nobel
- Teatribù
- Teatro del Vigentino
- PossodopoPosso
- Improteatro
- Circo Madera
- Artribune
Locations
- North America
- Europe
- Italy
- Florence
- Milan
- Turin
- Verona
- Bologna
- Naples
- Canada