The Semiotics of Clowns and Clowning: Rituals of Transgression and the Theory of Laughter Contributor(s): Bouissac, Paul (Author), Paschalidis, Gregory (Editor) |
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ISBN: 1472521730 ISBN-13: 9781472521736 Publisher: Bloomsbury Academic OUR PRICE: $188.10 Product Type: Hardcover - Other Formats Published: July 2015 |
Additional Information |
BISAC Categories: - Performing Arts | Circus - Language Arts & Disciplines | Linguistics - Semantics - Social Science | Anthropology - Cultural & Social |
Dewey: 791.33 |
LCCN: 2014037436 |
Series: Bloomsbury Advances in Semiotics |
Physical Information: 0.33" H x 6.12" W x 9.57" (1.17 lbs) 232 pages |
Descriptions, Reviews, Etc. |
Publisher Description: 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 microscope leads to the conclusion that the performances are all interconnected and come from what might be termed a 'mythical matrix'. These micronarratives replicate in context-sensitive forms a master narrative whose general theme refers to the emergence of cultures and constraints that they place upon instinctual behaviour. From this vantage point, each performance can be considered as a ritual which re-enacts the primitive violence inherent in all cultures and the temporary resolutions which must be negotiated as the outcome. Why do these acts of transgression and re-integration then trigger laughter and wonder? What kind of mirror does this put up to society? In a masterful semiotic analysis, Bouissac delves into decades of research to answer these questions. |
Contributor Bio(s): Bouissac, Paul: - Paul Bouissac is Professor Emeritus at the University of Toronto (Victoria College), Canada. He is a world renowned figure in semiotics and a pioneer of circus studies. He runs the SemiotiX Bulletin [www.semioticon.com/semiotix] which has a global readership. |