Tragic
clowns.
Clowns are comical performers,
stereotypically characterized by their grotesque appearance:
colored wigs, stylistic makeup, outlandish costumes, unusually
large footwear, etc., who entertain spectators by acting
in a hilarious fashion. The types of their acts varies
greatly. Although many find clowns to be scary, their
intended purpose is to entertain people, especially young
kids. Peter Berger writes that "It seems plausible
that folly and fools, like religion and magic, meet some
deeply rooted needs in human society." For this reason,
clowning is often considered an important part of training
as a physical performance discipline, partly because tricky
subject matter can be dealt with, but also because it
requires a high level of risk and play in the performer.
This has included the training offered by Jacques Lecoq.
An example can be found in the Native American clown societies... |
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