Balagan

Andrei Popov, "Balagans in Tula during Holy Week", 1873.

In the history of Russia, balagans (Russian: балаган from Persian: بالاخانه, balaχanä, "balcony", "upper room") were temporary structures for seasonal theatrical performances during major holidays or fairs.[1][a] Balagans were set up in town/city squares. Often balagan shows were of comical character. They could also include freak shows.[2]

Notes

  1. ↑ The Russian word has also meanings of a storage of goods, as well as a hunter's hut. From its performance meaning, the word may be used derisiely for something noisy and messy.[1]

References

  1. 1 2 "Балаган" . Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary (in Russian). 1906.
  2. ↑ Юрков С. Е. Под знаком гротеска: антиповедение в русской культуре, pp.148-156
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