Pierrots

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbm9cJNVIo4

The Pierrot character began as one of many figures in a type of improvised theatre popular in northern Italy during the sixteenth century. Some of the figures from this genre included the Harlequin, the sinister clown, Columbine and the handsome cavalier Scaramouche. Each character had different costumes and behaviors. The Pierrot was a type of sideshow comedian. He performed imitations, caricatures, acrobatics, tumbling and was expected to improvise according to the performance scenario. His typical costume was white with a large blouse, a high hat and a white powdered face.

The early 20th century saw a revival in the interest of the Italian comedy characters. They began to appear in French poetry, Italian Operas and ballets. The Pierrot frequently appeared, emerging as a self-dramatizing artist who was presented as a stylized mask or veil, separating the human being from the creative artist.

As French poetry and plays evolved, the role of the Pierrot changed. Behind their white-powdered faces, they became decadent, romantic, and brilliantly tormented characters in a bizarre, airless inner world.

The most famous of the French Pierrots was Gaspard Deburau. He immortalized the silent Pierrot. Deburau, inspired by the lazy, mischievous valet Pedrolino, the 16th century Italian Pierrot, changed the character from a cynical, grotesque rogue into a romantic, poetic character. He brought a personal expression to the fantasy melodrama and acrobatics. Not only did he add actions, he also invented his own scenarios and staging. All of Paris was mesmerized by Deburau's inventive genius and he reached great heights of success. Today we know these clowns as 'pantomime blanche' because of the white face he wore.