WHO IS THIS HARLEQUIN?

Harlequin as a character, as an archetype, has always been very interesting to me. It’s his infectious smile, his dancer agility and swagger, a character who could, and would, do whatever he wanted. An idea of freedom. 

Interest created curiosity, and curiosity led me to look further, to find out more. And I found a history as storied and interesting as the character’s exploits. Of course these stories led to the creation of pantomime, of an audience favourite character of wit and romance, about Harlequin’s affect on more “modern” clowns like Charlie Chaplin.  And then there were questions of the character’s inspiration and etymology, which led to my personal favourite (though one of many), to the roguish devil named Alichino from Dante Alighieri’s seminal Inferno.

A story began to form in my mind. A story about a devil wanting to escape his lot in life. A character that wanted agency and control of his own existence. How would that work out for him? Where would he end up? How would his nature co-exist within the world around him? A devil that wanted to be human. 

Was Harlequin able to even relate as a human? What did his actions say about who he was? Would there be consequences for his actions? What made Harlequin who he was; his history, his decisions, what happens to him. As a character that was known for his mask, and by extension, the costume he wore, would he be anyone without it? 

A story began to form. A story of a devil that wanted to be human and to get a chance at love. But as Harlequin was about to find out; freedom has a cost.

- Daniel Ryan, writer and creator of I AM HARLEQUIN