Serving two masters for half a century

28 October, 2008, 09:36

The harlequin, Ferruccio Soleri, has been appearing on the stage of Moscow’s Maly Theatre. For almost half a century he has been putting on his black mask and colourful outfit, but says he never tires of the role he has played more than 2,000 times.

With weddings, duels and food fights, Carlo Goldoni’s 18th-century masterpiece “Arlecchino, Servant of Two Masters” is an action-packed show. Its message crosses all age and language barriers, bringing enjoyment to audiences worldwide.

Ferruccio Soleri first played the part in 1963.

“I just love this job. You have to love the theatre to do it. It’s the reaction of people I like, their smiles and applause. The most interesting thing about it is that I can improvise with the audience,” he says.

In his late 70s the veteran of commedia dell'arte outwits the pompous, teases the fickle, and charms the childlike, reminding the audiences to take time to laugh. But Soleri modestly calls his role a skill rather than art.

“Art should create new things, and we just bring the audience what has been created before,” Soleri believes. “The author has written the comedy, the director set it, and we just play it. Yes, sometimes we reach the level of art, but not that often”.

However, the skill requires a lot of effort:

“One should be a good actor with a sense of humour, and the capacity to move. Good mime, gestures with which the actor can express al the emotions on stage,” he says.

During his visit to Moscow Soleri will give master classes to young Russian actors to tell them more about what it really takes to be master of the harlequin role.