Columbina

Colombina (Italian first name, reduction of doved for " dove " ) is a character from the commedia dell'arte and is attributed to the Zanni. She is a person of lower social class. Mostly she plays the role of the maid or cook. It lacks any contrived element of the upper class and it is a fun-loving and self-assured character who does not mince his words. Due to their dominant and seductive way she often attracts admirers (for example Brighella ) that against which they know to fight back. Often she is the mistress of Harlequin, whom she married in some quarters at the end of a piece. The figure of the Colombina wears no mask and mostly simple women's clothes.

As the first winner of this figure is considered the Italian actress Teresa Biancolelli from a dynasty of famous commedia dell'arte - actors. Since 1560 held this role to further generations until they faded in the 18th century by the increased occurrence of theater groups before courtly or civic audience more and more.

The " Vivid " or " Coquette " as a specialist in the spectacle of 18-19. Century emerged from her. In musical theater you usually corresponds to the soubrette.