BUCKFIELD – The Oddfellow Theater will present the American premiere of a new original Commedia dell’Arte play, “Lo Spettacolo, The Exhausting Affairs of Love,” directed and conceived by guest Italian artist Fabrizio Paladin, and performed by Amanda Huotari and Fabrizio Paladin.

Performances will be at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, May 25-26.

In classic Commedia dell’Arte style, this 10-character romp is full of love, death, wild fights and magic potions. The story begins with the meeting of two servants, Zagna from Maine and Arlecchino from Italy, but they have no time to lose with a wedding to throw for Flavio and Isabella.

However, when the vows aren’t written and a dowry debate turns to war, no one gets his way. Two actors put on all of the masks to present a complete cast of commedia appropriate for the entire family.

Paladin is an award-winning actor, playwright and musician who comes from the small town of Treviso, just outside Venice, Italy. With an expertise in Commedia dell’Arte and improvisation, he holds a graduate degree in literature and philosophy from the University of Bologna. He has worked with Aldo Sassi, Claudio Morganti, Luca de Fusco, and master Antonio Fava. Producing and performing his own work in Italy has lead to the production of Paladin’s work in Portugal, Austria, Germany, and the United States. His book about Commedia, mask and improvisation, “Teatro E La Maschere,” will be published by Firenzelibri this year.

Huotari is newly appointed executive director of the Celebration Barn Theater in South Paris. She first came to the theater at age 13 when she was introduced to master mime Tony Montanaro. With a bachelor of fine arts degree in acting from Emerson College, she has also studied at with Antonio Fava at the International School of Comic Acting in Italy and at the Lecoq School of Theater in Paris, France. Besides hosting performances at Celebration Barn, she can be seen as regular feature on the Early Evening Show at the Oddfellow Theater.

Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and $6 for children 12 and younger. The Oddfellow Theater is on Route 117. For reservations, call 336-3306.