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Slapstick: By the
latter part of the 18th Century, the highest form of
entertainment in England was the mime show. The English
acceptance of the character, Harlequin, had transformed
the Italian-French Italian-French Commedia dell' Arte
into a show with a decidedly English flavor. The "dumb
show" had gradually introduced comic relief parts, The
bit-players wearing red wigs and blotches of red makeup.
stage They and took pratfalls, played the role of the
country yokel followed by roars of laughter from the
audience. Due to audience demand, these minor players in
the world of mime soon had the lead role. The clown had
arrived. It was at this time that the man whose became
synonymous with the word "clown" got his start. His name
was Joseph Grimaldi. Grimaldi's career revolutionized
the art of makeup. He exaggerated the country yokel look
by using the white-face makeup of the more serious
French mime, and added hilarious markings to highlight
his features. He topped it off with bright tufts of hair
on a bald head. This look became the standard for
whiteface clowns to this day. Joseph Grimaldi became the
most important figure in the history of clowns. For
generations clowns have called themselves "Joeys" What
greater tribute can a person have from his peers? It was
a wonderful achievement for a clown who never appeared
in a circus. |
