The Semiotics of Clowns and Clowning: Rituals of Transgression and the Theory of Laughter

by Paul Bouissac

Book Overview

During the last 300 years circus clowns have emerged as powerful cultural icons. This is the first semiotic analysis of the range of make-up and costumes through which the clowns' performing identities have been established and go on developing. It also examines what Bouissac terms 'micronarratives' - narrative meanings that clowns generate through their acts, dialogues and gestures.

Putting a repertory of clown performances under the semiotic...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1472532783
• ISBN13: 9781472532787
• Release Date: May 2015
• Publisher: Bloomsbury Academic
• Length: 232 Pages
• Weight: 0.90 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 6.1" x 9.1"