Clowning: the place and functions of clowning in society, culture and art

Abstract

Clowning has existed and persisted over centuries, in places geographically and culturally disparate. The endurance and widespread existence of clowning, as well as the sanction given the clown, suggests the activity and the role are valued by humanity. The purposes of this thesis are to question why the clown is of value, and to examine ways in which clowns serve us. Primary data were obtained from: interviews with clowns and those associated with them; participant observation; and contemporary media. To complement this material on clowning in New Zealand, secondary sources were used to provide international and historical perspectives. Overviews of the place of clowning in society, culture, art and education are presented, and the functions of clowning, beyond entertaining, are drawn out in each context. The emerging hypothesis is that clowning serves similar functions, irrespective of context. This proposition is supported by manifestations of five key functions occurring in all contexts: clowning to destructure hierarchies and disorder norms; to humanize; to stimulate change; to comment; and to facilitate catharsis. In fulfilling these functions, the clown takes on the roles of therapist, catalyst for communication, and educator; therein lies the value of clowning, beyond entertainment.