Clown

| Main Article
| Discussion
| Related Articles  [?]
| Bibliography  [?]
| External Links  [?]
| Citable Version  [?]

|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|

This editable Main Article is under development and subject to a disclaimer.

[edit intro]

Originally the term clown meant a vulgar or boorish person, a peasant. It now means a comic entertainer.

## Contents

* 1 Theatre
* 2 Circus
* 3 Freelance entertainers
* 4 Melancholy

## Theatre[edit]

In Elizabethan theatre the clown was a specialised actor who played comic parts, probably accompanied by physical activities, such as dancing, specific to the actor. The type was later developed in the harlequinade and pantomime, and acquired specialised make-up and costume. The most famous clown, Grimaldi, was renowned for his acrobatic abilities.

## Circus[edit]

Clowns are a traditional part of circuses, having costumes and make-up personalised and trademarked to each performer.

## Freelance entertainers[edit]

## Melancholy[edit]

There is a longstanding view of clowns (and harlequins) as melancholy behind their comic personas, illustrated in both art and literature.