Balagan

In the history of Russia, balagans (Russian: балаган from Persian: بالاخانه, balaχanä, "balcony", "upper room") were temporary structures for seasonal theatrical performances during major holidays or fairs. Balagans were set up in town/city squares. Often balagan shows were of comical character. They could also include freak shows.

Notes

↑ The Russian word has also meanings of a storage of goods, as well as a hunter's hut. From its performance meaning, the word may be used derisiely for something noisy and messy.

References

1 2 "Балаган" . Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary (in Russian). 1906.
↑ Юрков С. Е. Под знаком гротеска: антиповедение в русской культуре, pp.148-156

[2] The Russian word has also meanings of a storage of goods, as well as a hunter's hut. From its performance meaning, the word may be used derisiely for something noisy and messy.

[efron-1] 1 2 "Балаган" . Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary (in Russian). 1906.

[3] Юрков С. Е. Под знаком гротеска: антиповедение в русской культуре, pp.148-156