The Semiotics of Clowns and Clowning

Name: The Semiotics of Clowns and Clowning
Brand: Continnuum-3PL
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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.

Product details

Edition:: illustrated
Number of Pages:: 232
Release Date:: 2015-05-21
Publication Date:: 2015-05-21
Publisher:: Continnuum-3PL
Languages:: Original: English
ISBN10:: 1472521730
ISBN13:: 9781472521736
GPSR Manufacturer Reference:: [email protected]
Weight:: 517 g
Height:: 161 cm
Width:: 240 cm
Thickness:: 17 cm

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