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Nowadays, Thalias role is symbolic.
Oversize wooden masks made stadium shows possible.
There were 44 in all, each representing a stock character instantly recognizable by their broad, emotive expression.
No one had to hold their face in a grimace all night.
Even from the cheapest seats, audiences in 215 B.C.
knew one thing about the actor wearing Thalia: Their character wasnot sad.
Perhaps this was where we went wrong.
A comedians suicide sets in motion a recognizable pattern of events.
We are not going to hear their new jokes this weekend or ever.
Were there any hints?
We mean it and we try.
We DM people and text and reach out.
Despite the seemingly immortal sad clown cliche, we are no more prone to self-harm than any other group.
To get people comfortable enough to laugh in front of strangers, we must appear competent and in control.
They look and stare and scrutinize at parties, festivals, Friendsgivings, volunteer outings, and writers brunches.
