The physical comedy and history of “farce”

A theatrical vehicle for satire and fun, the history of farce dates back to medieval times and has evolved over the centuries into a distinct genre of comedy.

Above image: Honoré Daumier (1808–1879) Lower the curtain, the farce is ended (Baissez le rideau, la farce est jouée).

Here’s an overview of its development:

Medieval Origins (12th–15th centuries)

The roots of farce can be traced back to medieval European theater, where it emerged as a subgenre of mystery plays and morality plays. In these religious plays, comedic sketches called “farces” were often inserted for lighthearted moments between more serious scenes.

These early farces were usually short, humorous interludes that featured exaggerated situations, physical comedy, and often involved everyday characters—such as peasants or tradespeople—who found themselves in absurd or ridiculous situations. They were used to entertain the audience while also providing a contrast to the more solemn religious themes of the time.

• French Farce: One of the earliest forms of farce can be found in 14th and 15th-century French theater. The term “farce” itself comes from the Old French word “farcir,” meaning “to stuff” or “to fill,” as farces were seen as interludes that “filled” the space between more serious parts of plays. French playwrights like Jean Bodel and Rutebeuf were among those who wrote farces.
• Italian Commedia dell’arte: During the 16th century, the Commedia dell’arte troupes in Italy also contributed to the development of farce. These improvisational performances often featured stock characters and situations that became central to the farce genre, such as mistaken identities, slapstick, and physical comedy.

16th–17th centuries: Farce in the Renaissance

As Europe entered the Renaissance, farce grew in popularity, especially in France. The genre started to merge with other forms of popular entertainment, including satirical comedy and social critique. Playwrights began using farce to poke fun at societal norms, class differences, and politics.

• Molière (1622–1673): One of the most famous writers of French comedy, Molière, frequently incorporated elements of farce in his plays. Though he is best known for his comedies of manners, many of his works, such as Tartuffe and The Miser, feature farcical situations and characters. His works helped to elevate farce into a sophisticated form of comedy.

18th–19th centuries: Farce on the Stage

During the 18th and 19th centuries, farce continued to be a popular form of entertainment, especially in European theater. The focus on exaggeration, improbable plots, and physical comedy remained a hallmark of the genre.

• English Farce: In England, farce evolved into a more polished and structured form during the 18th century. Richard Brinsley Sheridan and David Garrick incorporated elements of farce into their plays, which were often performed in London’s West End.
• 19th-Century Paris: In France, the 19th century saw the development of the “farse” as a distinct theatrical form. The Parisian stage saw works that combined farce with operetta, leading to a variety of vaudeville-style performances.

20th Century: Farce in Cinema and Popular Culture

The 20th century saw farce transcend the stage and enter the world of film, where it became a major influence on the comedy genre. Farcical elements, such as slapstick, fast-paced action, and absurd situations, became a staple in early silent films, especially through stars like Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton.

• Screwball Comedy: During the 1930s and 1940s, farce gave rise to the “screwball comedy” genre in Hollywood, which was known for its fast-paced dialogue, wacky misunderstandings, and quirky characters. Classic examples include films like Bringing Up Baby (1938) and His Girl Friday (1940).
• Modern Farce in Cinema: Farce continued to thrive in cinema through the 20th and 21st centuries with films like Airplane! (1980), The Naked Gun (1988), and Dumb and Dumber (1994). These films embraced the absurdity of farce while incorporating elements of parody, slapstick, and absurd situations.

Farce Today

Farce is still a major comedic genre in contemporary theater and film. The physical comedy, exaggerated characterizations, and improbable scenarios are still central to farce, and it has found success in both mainstream and experimental settings. Modern television shows like Fawlty Towers or Parks and Recreation often feature farcical elements, while Broadway plays like The Play That Goes Wrong (2012) have kept the farce tradition alive.

Farce has a rich and varied history, evolving from its medieval roots in religious theater to become a key genre in modern comedy. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to entertain audiences with exaggerated humor and absurd situations.