Essay: Hospital clowns-modern-day court jesters at work

Abstract

The court jester or fool was a particular type of clown in the Middle Ages, someone thought of as a special individual whom God had touched with a childlike madness. Big Apple Circus established the Clown Care Unit in New York City in 1987 as the first structured hospital clown programme, with frequent and regular visits to host hospitals. The silly clothes, the oversized shoes, the white coat with too many pockets, the outrageous props and musical instruments are all checked; as well as the hat.