The Erudite Comedy

The Erudite Comedy introduces the Hebrew reader to three saucy Italian comedies. These comic gems were written in the first quarter of the 16th century, the period in which Western classical theatre was reborn. Each of them possesses unique historical and artistic values: Ludovico Ariosto’s ‘La Cassaria’ (1508) is well-known as ‘The first modern play’; Bernardo Dovizi’s ‘La Calandra’ (1513) is remarkable for its ingenious plot, bold erotic allusions and surprisingly feminist soliloquies; Niccolo Machiavelli’s ‘Clizia’ (1525) contains autobiographical elements, reflecting the aging Renaissance genius’ love affair with a well-known young courtesan.