NMPS artist in residence -Rosa Campagnaro

NMPS Italian teacher Rose Bisignano successfully applied to Regional Arts Victoria. This funding has allowed drama educator Rosa Capagnaro to combine Year 6 classes in Italian and Drama and explore the creative history of Commedia dell’Arte. Please find following an article written by Year 6D & E, who interviewed our artist in residence. 

Interview

What prompted you to become an actor? 

My mum was involved in an Italian theatre company when she migrated to Australia in 1956 and I remember the photos of her in costume and performing in plays making quite an impression. So this was part of the inspiration, but I also really enjoyed writing and performing and would find any opportunity to do this!

Where did you study acting? 

Lots of different places (because actors never stop training and building on their skills!). I’m a Drama Teacher primarily, training at Deakin University and graduating with a Teaching Degree. I then got on-the-job training when I worked on Broadway in New York on a show called Avenue Q. I was a production assistant and learned about all aspects of putting on a show. This was a very exciting time because I was surrounded and inspired by so many talented hardworking artists, many of whom had day jobs on Sesame Street and would then come and perform on stage in the evening! I quickly learned that being an artist is possible and it takes determination, skill and hard work. 

What prompted you to start your Commedia dell’Arte Company?

That same year I was in New York I also traveled to Italy and studied Commedia dell’Arte with a company called Venezia InScena in the heart of Venice. It was a magical time and place and I got to combine my two loves - the Italian language and performing. This experience had a very profound impact on me. I had caught the Commedia bug and knew I needed to share this wonderful and weird thing with Drama and Italian students back home, so that’s how Make A Scene was born.

Are you an actor and a director?

I love both roles and have skills in both areas which helps me do both better! 

Who is your favorite stock character?

This one’s always hard to answer because it can change depending on the show I’m performing. At the moment I love playing Pantalona because she’s so cheeky and grumpy and I also love the mask and costume which is OTT and silly! 

What inspires you to make your shows? How did you get the ideas?

Given the function of Commedia is to make the audience laugh while making a social or political comment, the inspiration often comes from the world around us. If you want to make Commedia traditional, you keep it modern, so to speak. Open a newspaper and pick a celebrity or politician, chances are they have traits similar to a Commedia character. In one of our shows, for example, we created a modern day Pantalone that was influenced by a political figure that everyone recognised. This character was non-sensical and absurd (a bit like the real life one!) and it always got laughs and made a point about how some leaders can just be power hungry and a plain imbecile!

How many other schools have you worked with?

Many many schools across the country and from prep through to VCE. The beauty of Commedia dell’Arte is that it’s universal and can appeal and relate to everyone. Just like Kath and Kim!

What part of Italy are you from?

My mum is from Friuli (where they have amazing prosciutto) and Dad was from Venice - hence why I ended up studying in this part of the world. They both migrated in the 50s, met here in Melbourne and then I came along! 

Do you know any languages other than Italian and English?

Mum’s Italian dialect, Friulano, is actually recognised as a language in its own right, so I try to practice this as much as I can. I speak fluent French gibberish, does that count? 

How did you learn Italian? (if it was your first language, how did you learn English?)

My parents always spoke to me in Italian and in their dialects so I grew up hearing the sounds and reading Italian picture books, but English was my first language. I later studied Italian at school and continued through to Year 12. Best thing I ever did! I probably wouldn’t have had the confidence to travel and work in Italy if I hadn’t continued at school. I still practice my Italian by reading Il Globo (the local Italian newspaper) and chatting to friends and cousins in Italy as often as possible. 

Do you have any family still living in Italy? If so, were they affected by COVID last year?

Yes, I have lots of family and friends in Italy and they were affected and still continue to be. The year long lockdown has been difficult and the fear of getting sick is very real. I think the recovery in Italy is going to take quite some time, but it’s amazing to see how resilient and resourceful Italians can be. After all, they did invent Commedia dell’Arte!