Stage Clown In Shakespeare's Theatre, Vol. 69 »

BENTE A. VIDEBAEK is an Adjunct Professor of English at Suffolk County Community College.

The majority of Shakespeare's plays have at least one clown figure making an appearance. These characters range from rogues who say only a line or two, to important figures like Touchstone and Falstaff. Videbaek examines even the smallest clown roles, showing how the clown's freedom of speech allows him to become a mediator between the audience and the action of the play, helping audience interpretation. This illuminating celebration of the stage clown's contribution to the understanding and enjoyment of Shakespeare's plays will be a valuable resource for both students and scholars alike.

Booknews

Shakespeare wrote a surprisingly large number of plays in which the clown plays a major contribution to the understanding of the play. Videbaek (English, Suffolk County Community College) examines the roles that clowns and clown-like figures play in specific plays, including lightening or deepening the atmosphere, signaling a turning point, mediating between the audience and the actors, and undermining or supporting the protagonists. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)