Giovanni Gabrielli (actor) explained

Giovanni Gabrielli (died between 1603 and 1611) was an Italian actor of the commedia dell'arte, who performed under the name Sivello.[1]

Biography

Gabrielli was particularly famous for portraying several characters talking together in different languages.[1] The 18th-century historian Francesco Saverio Quadrio relates that Gabrielli was able to impersonate women with his voice only, without the benefit of a costume change.[2] His portrait was engraved by Agostino Carracci.[3]

His son Francesco Gabrielli was also a well known actor.[1]

Publications

Two works of Gabrielli were published in Bologna in the early 17th century:[4]

Bibliography

Notes and References

  1. Senelick, Laurence, p. 407 ("Gabrielli family") in Banham 1995.
  2. Quadrio 1744, p. 239, cited by Askew 1978, p. 60.
  3. Rasi 1897, vol. 1, p. 955.
  4. Mahon 1947, p. 234, note 3.
  5. .