ABSTRACT
Play seems to be such a simple activity. But the more we think about it, the more we analyse it, the more complex and elusive it reveals itself to be. It seems at first to be superfluous, but on the contrary it is fundamental: all humans play in different ways at any age. It can be described as a carefree and joyful activity, but nevertheless sometimes discloses a secret, fierce violence. It can be sheer pleasure, and cruelty. We so often use the word ‘play’, but it is a poor description because it covers events and performances with the most varied, and often opposed, characteristics.
