Includes bibliographical references (p. 233-250) and index.
Contents:
Introduction -- Isabella's "tricks": carnival and mimicry in sixteenth century Italy -- Caterina Biancolelli: seventeenth century trickster and Parisian coquette -- Franca Rame: militant Isabella, feminist Colombina in twentieth century Italy -- Contemporary American Colombinas: the personal, the public, the intimate, the political, and the comical -- The heritage of the Commedia dell'Arte for today's feminist theaters, comedy and activism, and radical acts by women artists.
Summary:
"This pioneering volume tells the stories of five women who have created revolutionary forms of comic performance and discourse that defy the flagrant prejudices about women and feminists. The artists include 16th-century performer Isabella Andreini, 17th-century improviser Catherine Biancolelli, 20th-century Italian playwright Franca Rame, and contemporary performance artists Deb Margolin and Kimberly Dark"--Provided by publisher.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.