Concept:
Commedia dell'arte was a professional form of theatrical improvisation that flourished throughout Europe from the 16th to the 18th century, characterized by masked "types."
Step 1: Identifying the historical and geographical origin.
Commedia dell'arte originated in Italy. It is famous for its stock characters—such as Arlecchino (Harlequin), Pantalone, and Colombina—and its reliance on "Lazzi" (improvised comic business). These troupes traveled across Europe, but the fundamental structure, character names, and performance style remain Italian in origin and continue to influence modern physical comedy and slapstick.