{"product_id":"2940016011950","title":"CLOWN ACT OMNIBUS","description":"The origin o£ the English word “down” is uncertain, but it is thought to have come from a Scandinavian or Teutonic word for “clod,” hence a coarse or boorish fellow, a lout. Clowning goes far back into history. Traces of it appear in Greek burlesque and on the Roman stage.\u003cbr\u003eIn the Middle Ages, kings and nobles had their Fools —Court Jesters who were privileged characters as long as they could amuse their masters. These were often gifted musicians, mimics, skilled dancers, and acrobats, full of wit and impertinence. The pointed cap and tas-seled scepter became symbols of these jesters.\u003cbr\u003eOn the old English stage a clown was a privileged laugh provoker. He had no real part in the drama, but\u003cbr\u003ecarried on his jokes and tricks, sometimes addressing himself to the delighted audience instead of confining himself to the stage action.\u003cbr\u003eShakespeare elevated the clown, giving him a speak­ing part, often using him as a “comic relief” to ease the tension in his tragedies. The grave diggers in Ham­let are clowns. Othello had his clown. Launcelot Gobbo was Shylock's famous clown.\u003cbr\u003eIn France, the Pierrot in his two-colored costume was a gay, lighthearted clown, often an accomplished dancer. Harlequin, too, was of French origin, distinguished by his black mask, shaved head, and expert acrobatics.","brand":"Jay Goldston","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47081200943344,"sku":"2940016011950","price":4.73,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0737\/7593\/9824\/files\/2940016011950_p0.jpg?v=1763627795","url":"https:\/\/shop-qa.barnesandnoble.com\/products\/2940016011950","provider":"Barnes \u0026 Noble (DEV)","version":"1.0","type":"link"}