The Distinction Between Theatrical Comedy, Obscene Comedy, and Lumpenistic Comedy: An Analysis of the Aesthetic, Social, and Ethical Functions of Laughter in Performance

Abstract

Comedy, as one of the most fundamental theatrical genres, has always played a role far beyond mere entertainment, serving as a tool for social critique, behavioral correction, and the enhancement of collective consciousness. However, in the contemporary cultural landscape —particularly in Iran and within the digital sphere—the proliferation of superficial forms of humor, such as obscene comedy and lumpenistic comedy, has undermined the conceptual boundaries of authentic theatrical comedy. Employing an analytical-descriptive method and drawing upon theoretical sources in the fields of aesthetics, sociology of art, and theater studies, the present research seeks to identify the substantive differences among these three genres and to examine their socio-ethical harms. The findings indicate that authentic theatrical comedy transforms laughter into a conscious and critical act, whereas obscene and lumpenistic comedies reduce it to an instinctive, consumable response devoid of social depth.