The Semiotics of Clowns and Clowning: Rituals of Transgression and the Theory of Laughter by Bouissac, Paul
The Semiotics of Clowns and Clowning: Rituals of Transgression and the Theory of Laughter by Bouissac, Paul

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

During the last 300 years circus clowns have emerged as powerful cultural icons. This is the first...
€116,37 EUR
€116,37 EUR
SKU: 9781472532787
Product Type: Books
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Author: Paul Bouissac
Format: Paperback
Language: English
Subtotal: €116,37
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The Semiotics of Clowns and Clowning: Rituals of Transgression and the Theory of Laughter by Bouissac, Paul

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

€116,37
The Semiotics of Clowns and Clowning: Rituals of Transgression and the Theory of Laughter by Bouissac, Paul

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

€116,37
Author: Paul Bouissac
Format: Paperback
Language: English
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.

Author: Paul Bouissac
Publisher: Bloomsbury Academic
Published: 05/21/2015
Pages: 232
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.90lbs
Size: 9.10h x 6.10w x 0.50d
ISBN: 9781472532787

About the Author
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.
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