Jay Cross [Sept 26 2002]

The Gelosi troupe listed a Burattino amongst their characters. He is often not a servant, but is not well to do either. He is the quick witted earthy fellow [sometimes married to Franceschina], who might be the innkeeper or grocer. If he is not a servant, he is often friends with them. Duchartre says he has a traditional mask, but doesn't seem to offer a description of it.

[Dec 31 2002]
The word 'burattino' is Italian for 'wooden puppet'. Specifically, Pinocchio was a burattino. It might be interesting to try playing him with marionette like movement. DuChartre says that the word burattino came to mean puppet in the late 16th Century after a very popular commedia character. He doesn't say how he knows this. He also translates his name to 'the little ass'.