Today in class we discussed buffoonery. Buffoonery is used in situations where the actor is poking fun of people/ideas in society. It is a style of clowning and is meant to unfold the lies that are told by politicians, celebrities, important figures. As well as mocking people (or a group of people), it can also be used to reveal issues in modern culture. For example, gender roles, climate change, race, classism, poverty, etc. can all be explored with buffoonery. Personally, I think it is a very effective way to discuss heavy topics while still making the act light and humorous. Actors and audience can definitely have fun with this type of acting, and it is very freeing. To put on a funny costume makes the actor feel as if they can say anything-even if it may be offensive. It makes the audience think about their actions and ask themselves, "Are they talking about me?" "Do I do that?" Today we were told to draw out buffoons off the top of our head and then afterwards we needed to put on costumes to represent our drawings, which turned out to be hilarious. We moved as a group, attempting to maintain somewhat of a connected group pulse, although much more entertaining and less focused.
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