La Locandiera

Written in December 1752, *La Locandieria* (The Innkeeper) is often regarded as Goldoni’s greatest comedy; in it, he initially uses prose rather than rhyme. This attempt to make the language sound more natural paved the way for a more profound revolution…

The character comedy begins to take shape. *La Locandiera*, one of the first plays to move away from the use of masks and allow the actor’s face to express a wider range of emotions, is historically regarded as its origin. Through this unprecedented reform, Goldoni sought to establish a new form capable of portraying a new kind of humanity… which lends this innkeeper, who is utterly devoted to freedom, a maturity and a kind of unprecedented gravitas…

There is something pre-revolutionary about this play, something that foreshadows the French Revolution. Mirandolina, our innkeeper, is very much a free spirit; in fact… by the end of the comedy, the weight of society makes itself felt. Everything must return to normal. Mirandolina must settle down…. Thus, she takes her leave of the audience with these words: ‘…and all of you, gentlemen, make the most of what you have seen for the benefit and safety of your hearts.’