I Gelosi

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I Gelosi (meaning the Zealous or Jealous) was an acting troupe that performed commedia dell'arte from 1569 to 1604. Their motto was Virtu, fama ed honor ne fer gelosi, meaning "We are jealous of attaining virtue, fame, and honor".

The Gelosi was formed in Milan, Italy by Flaminio Scala. Vittoria Pissimi was the first break-out star. I Gelosi was the first troupe to be patronized by nobility, in 1574 and 1577 they performed for the king of France. After performing for the king of France, the Gelosi troupe began touring all over Europe,spreading commedia dell'arte from Italy to France, Poland, Spain, Germany, and England.

In the 1570s, Francesco Andreini joined the Gelosi. In 1578 he married Isabella Canali, an actress with the troupe. The Andreinis's would become the most famous performers of the I Gelosi troup. Eventually Francesco would take over as the head of the troupe.

In 1604, Isabella died in childbirth in France. Francesco was so overwrought, he disbanded the troupe and retired from the stage. The stock character commedia dell'arte character used by many troupes, Isabella is named in her honor.

Further Reading

[Oreglia, Giacomo. The Comedia dell'Arte. Methuen and Co Ld. 1968. 158 pages]

[Smith, Winifred. The Commedia Dell'Arte. Columbia University Press. New York. 1964. 290 pages.]

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