Clowning as Social Performance in Colombia

Ridicule and Resistance

Barnaby King (Edge Hill University, UK)

$240

Hardback

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English

Methuen Drama
01 December 2016

Circus

Contemporary Clowning as Social Performance in Colombia brings to light the emergence of new kinds of clowning in everyday life in Colombia, focusing particularly on the pervasive presence of clowns in the urban landscape of Bogotá. In doing so it brings a fresh and updated perspective on what clowning is as well as what it does in the 21st century. Featuring descriptions of more than 24 distinct clown performers, Barnaby King provides an engaging and lively account of the performative moment in which clowning transpires, analyzing the techniques and processes at work in producing what is commonly named as “clowning”.

In contrast with their North American and European counterparts, clowns in Latin America are seen every day in public settings, are popular cultural figures and sometimes claim to exercise real political influence. Drawing on five years of co-performative ethnography, the book argues that clown artists have thrived by adapting their craft to changing social and economic conditions, in some cases by allying themselves with authority and power, and in others by generating spaces for creativity and resistance in adverse circumstances. By applying performance theory to clowning in a specific cultural context this is the first work to propose an appropriate scholarly response to the diversity and ingenuity of clowning beyond Europe and North America.

By: Barnaby King (Edge Hill University UK)
Imprint: Methuen Drama
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 216mm, Width: 138mm, Spine: 23mm
Weight: 474g
ISBN: 9781474249270
ISBN 10: 1474249272
Pages: 296
Publication Date: 01 December 2016
Audience: College/higher education , A / AS level , Further / Higher Education
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active

Chapter 1. (Not) Just Clowning Around Chapter 2. Happy Families: Clowning in the Circus Ring Chapter 3. Reconverting Ronald: The Rise of the Restaurant Clown Chapter 4. Nouveau Clown: A New Generation of Red Noses Chapter 5. Neo-Clowns: The Embrace of Neoliberalism Chapter 6. Humanitarian Clown: Humour and Conflict Chapter 7. The Hospital Clown: Humour and Healing Chapter 8. Clowns Are Everywhere Endnotes Bibliography Index

Barnaby King is Senior Lecturer at Edge Hill University, Lancashire, UK, where he teaches clowning and physical theatre. With over fifteen years’ experience as a professional director and performer, he has toured his solo clown show internationally to critical acclaim, and is also founding artistic director of the Clown Encuentro, an annual festival of clowning in Latin America.

Reviews for Clowning as Social Performance in Colombia: Ridicule and Resistance

King delivers a volume that blends an insider's view of the evolution of clowning practice in Colombia with a critical analysis of the social, political, and economic forces that have helped to shape that evolution ... Throughout the book, King's insider understanding of the art of clowning and his participation in some of the acts provide keen insight and cogent argumentation ... King offers a compelling and vibrant contribution that illuminates the ways in which clown performance intersects with everyday Colombian life. * Modern Drama * This book is recommended not only to those already interested in clowning, but even more to those whose perception of clowning was shaped by Hollywood horror movie clowns. It will undoubtedly change that distorted image of clowns, as it provides ample evidence of the important role clowning can play in society. * Studies in Theatre and Performance *