Comedy
Description
Comedy is the complement of tragedy, and tragedy is one of the oldest forms of ritual in the Western world. However, while tragedy is linked to the sacred, comedy is often linked to the profane and sometimes even the sacrilegious. This program explores comedy, from Aristophanes and Cicero to the Christian ban on humor. The Feast of Fools and Carnival as Christian institutions that celebrate the profane are examined, along with the role of the Fool in the Renaissance court. The work of Rabelais as a Reformation-era text examines satire as a form of social critique and political tool that verges on the blasphemous. Literary figures such as Moliere and more recent icons, such as Charlie Chaplin, are discussed, along with societies like Japan that suppress laughter and consider it subversive.
Runtime
53 min
Series
Subjects
Genre
Date of Publication
[2007], c1998
Database
Films on Demand
Direct Link
Similar Films
Mother tongues. Languages around the world
Non-Verbal Communication
The Environment. Historical perspective
Rundown
Learning to Read
Cutting Edge Communications Simple English Series. Vacation. Part 13
Engaging the class
N. Richard Nash
The Muvver tongue
Clean language & systemic modelling
Love
Cutting Edge Communications Simple English Series. Doing things. Part 17
Art and Design. Insights into the Visual Arts
At the drop of another hat
Food Shopping and Accommodations