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.¹^a Balagans were set up in town/city squares. Often balagan shows were of comical character. They could also include freak shows.²

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.¹

References

"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.¹

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

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

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