The German word Posse (often translated “farce”) denotes a form of popular comic theater that seeks to generate laughter by means of facile, often crude humor; the focus is on a comical figure (such as Pickelhering, Arlecchino/Harlequin, Gracioso, Hanswurst, or Staberl; Comedy). Generally speaking, artful treatment of language in a Posse takes second place to simple plot, often supported by improvisation and musical interludes; the popular aspect is manifest in the use of dialect and the setting of the pieces in everyday urban life. It …