Vincenza Armani facts for kids

Vincenza Armani was a very talented Italian woman born around 1530 in Venice, Italy. She passed away on September 11, 1569. Vincenza was an amazing actress, a beautiful singer, a creative poet, and a skilled musician. She also made delicate lace and sculpted with wax!

She was one of the most famous actresses in Italy during her time and was even called 'The Divine Vincenza Armani'. She and another actress, Barbara Flaminia, were the two most well-known female performers of their era. They were even seen as friendly rivals! At a time when actresses were only found in Italy, Vincenza was one of the first well-documented female performers in modern Europe.

Her Life as an Actress

Vincenza Armani came from Venice. We first hear about her in 1565. She was performing in Mantua with the theater company of Zan Ganassa. Interestingly, she played the part of a man in these early shows.

Later, she became the main actress, or 'prima donna,' for the famous commedia dell'arte Gelosi Company. This company was led by Flaminio Scala. Commedia dell'arte was a popular type of comedy theater in Italy. It often involved masked characters and improvised scenes.

In 1566, people started talking about Barbara Flaminia as Vincenza's rival. In 1567, the two actresses even performed a famous competition scene together in Mantua.

The very first Italian actress known by name was Lucrezia Di Siena. Her name appeared on an acting contract in 1564. However, Vincenza Armani, along with Barbara Flaminia, was one of the first actresses in Italy to be well-documented. This means we have many records of her work. She was also the first 'prima donna' in Italian theater. Besides acting, she was also a talented singer.

A writer named Garzoni called her "Divina" and "A perfect commedienne." He said that she was so good, she made acting as respected as public speaking!

Her Many Talents

Vincenza Armani was not just an actress and singer. She also wrote her own poems and composed songs. She was very creative and skilled with her hands. She made beautiful lace and created sculptures out of wax.

Sadly, Vincenza Armani's life ended early. It is believed she was poisoned. Her colleague and close friend, Adriano Valerini, wrote a famous speech in her memory in 1570.