Delia Casadei

Delia Casadei, an independent scholar based in Italy and the UK, discusses her intriguing new work, "Risible." She explores the evolution of laughter from ancient times to its role in modern sound reproduction. Delia highlights how laughter transcends comedy, acting as a vital human technique linked to language and identity. She examines its commodification in the late 19th century and its influence on media, including recorded laugh tracks during the McCarthy era, raising questions about authenticity and the socio-political implications of laughter.