© Slovak Post, 2006 Various comical puppet theatre characters that in Europe can be traced back as far as the 13th – 14th centuries culminate in a single figure – a middle age clown. After the rise of the commedie dell’arte tradition in 14th century in Italy, the clown finds its way into several European countries and quickly adapts to local conditions. Each nation adds something from its natural character, environment, and education. In Slovakia, Gašparko (Silly Billy) became the most typical character of traditional puppet theatre. Of all his European brothers, Gašparko is the most lyrical, most delicate, least vulgar...