The Department of Fools is an experiment in collaboration, which embraces 'play' as a means of producing stage-worthy performances.  We employ a flat hierarchy in decision-making.  All of our work is created through improvisation without a dedicated director.  Instead, through consensus, the entire company crafts and agrees upon all artistic decisions. 

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Over the past year, The Department of Fools has presented numerous show at the Peoples Improv Theatre and we look forward to sharing our own unique brand of masked mayhem at new venues across NYC. More details to come!

Most recently, we presented our adaptation of a traditional Commedia scenario first recorded by Flaminio Scala in 1611 AD: SHE’S DEAD!!. Over the past year, we have presented a variety show, our original modern Commedia play ZANNI’S ALL THE WAY DOWN, and other masked mayhem!

Before the pandemic, The Department of Fools proudly presented their devised Commedia performance, THE TOOTHPULLER at the Peoples Improv Theatre, where they had previously shared their NYC Fringe hit A HISTORY OF SERVITUDE for a month-long run in early 2017.

Critics and audiences alike loved our raucous shows:

“Hilarious…an interesting blend of commedia dell’Arte and modern street theatre with its mix of broad comedy, improv and mask work. I enjoyed watching The Department of Fools make fools of themselves and blast the masters in the process.”…Tami Shaloum, Stage Buddy

“The laughing which came from my mouth was near endless to the point that the play’s ending made me feel like I had just done my best ab workout in months.”…Julian Rodriguez, PXP  – Theater Development Fund

“A Best Bet!…Go see AHistory of Servitude for the cast, the laughs, the political commentary, and the balloons.”…Charlotte Arnoux, Theasy

In the summer of 2016, the Fools presented an earlier version of A HISTORY OF SERVITUDE as part of the 20th Annual International New York Fringe Festival - Fringe NYC.  The show was presented a part of the Fringe AlFresco; outdoors and free to the public.  

Critics and audiences alike raved:

"You haven't really experienced the Fringe until you've experienced Fringe Al Fresco. And it was my great good luck to catch one of these free outdoor events, A History of Servitude, under the canopy of a Fringe Lounge... a breath of fresh air (you can take that in the literal sense here)-and a rich celebration of Commedia dell'Arte."...Deirdre Donovan, Curtain Up

"The cast plays wonderfully together and cultivates a genuine sense of fun amidst all of the theatrical conventions. I would recommend it for anyone looking for a comedy in a different style"...Will Jacobs, Theasy

"...the actors are completely immersed in their characters: each has an excellent sense of physical comedy and embraces the spirit of the art form....A History of Servitude is worth seeing, especially if you’re a fan of silly comedy. I generally roll my eyes--but found myself appreciating this show because of the talented troupe’s commitment...The standout skit involves the Building of the Pyramids and the Death of the Pharaoh--one of the most skillful bits I’ve seen lately—not just at Fringe, but anywhere."...Leslie DiLeo, Hi Drama

A HISTORY OF SERVITUDE is a comic survey of world history, from the dawn of man to the present.  The play examines and celebrates the eternal struggle of the underdog.  History remembers men (and to a much lesser extent women, which we point out as well) of greatness, who through conquest, innovation and accomplishment have left an indelible mark on the story of man.  But what about the servants of these giants?  Using the boldly physical slapstick comedy of Commedia dell’Arte, we bring attention to the contributions of the working class to history, which all too often goes unnoticed.  Slaves built the pyramids, but it’s the pharaohs whose names live on.  A HISTORY OF SERVITUDE posits a comic reminder that ‘the little people’ are the ones on whose back much of history rests, despite the fact that the masters get all the credit.

Commedia dell’Arte began during the Italian Renaissance, which featured street performers who ‘busked’ to make a living. Later, it would develop and be distilled into more genteel entertainment, but this course was interested in exploring the origins of Commedia dell’Arte.  The early plays were partially improvised, with an outline of action called a ‘scenario’ providing a spine to the comic story.  The storylines highlighted the struggle between masters and servants in a culture just beginning to see greater social mobility.  The humor was raw but rich with word play, scatological humor and physical comedy.  The characters of Commedia dell’Arte were masked ‘stock characters’ drawn directly from everyday life of the Italian Renaissance; masters and servants each of whom embodied a stereotypical Italian of the era.  These stock characters would have been instantly recognizable to audience of the Renaissance, the same way that we’re familiar with our modern stock characters like the dumb jock or the math nerd.  Since its inception, Commedia dell’Arte has influenced and inspired countless artists.

Currently, has taught workshops and courses in Commedia dell’Arte at NYU, the Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute, Waterwell PPAS, CUNY and AADA.

Combining physical theatre approaches such as Lecoq with the Method, Matthew has created a unique approach to mask training.

Matthew has designed costumes for Commedia productions around the country.

From traditional period costume, to vaudeville-inspired style, to modern dress; Matthew has adapted Commedia dell'Arte costume designs for a variety of performances and venues.