Theater, Laughter, and Public Discourse

This chapter examines the multifaceted role of the clown in theater, highlighting how humor can challenge authority while fostering audience unity through shared laughter. It explores the parallels between contemporary late-night talk shows and Elizabethan news culture, emphasizing the power of humor in engaging audiences with serious societal issues. The speakers also delve into the evolution of news and its intersection with theater, advocating for a more active public role in shaping narratives and understanding contemporary media.