Also: Rag Doll Act

Pt: boneca de pano

It: bambola/bambolotto di pezza

Ar: الدمية

A ragdoll act is the combination of a contortionist and (sometimes) one or (more likely) two clowns.

The act usually starts with the contortionist disguised and ambiguated; Dressed in loosely tailored ragdoll outfit, frequently with a mash on the back of their head to obscure the nature of their moves.

As the act progresses, the “ragdoll” displays various levels of agency, responding to the clowns in humorous ways. Some moves are completely because the clown's manipulation, some are the ragdoll's follow-through.

At the end of the act, the contortionist is often revealed.

A ragdoll act is not a Trio Act or Duo Act, as only one member is the flexible one. It is possible, but not frequently, a Supported Act - no special attention is draw to the strength or acrobatic presentation of the clowns beyond humorous responses and effects.

A contortion act can be doll themed without being a ragdoll act. It depends on the involvement of other non-contortionist performers.

Theoretically less derogatory than golliwog acts, but in practice easily runs into issues of objectification.