I’ve come across many talented performers who avoid the word ‘clown’ at all costs – even if that’s their legitimate profession.
A ‘theatre artist’ seems to be a lot more acceptable a definition than ‘practicing clown.’ It’s clear why people judge clowns – pop culture has given them a varied reputation. Clowns are often dismissed as either circus acts, bumbling or low-brow birthday party entertainers, or creatures to be afraid of.
Did those definitions feel ‘right’ to you? I hope not.
I’m going to challenge that notion by expressing what my 30 years’ of experience has taught me about what makes a great clown. I want to vex my frustration if you’ve never experienced the joy of a clown that creates humour with their humanity, and NOT with satire, crude jokes, wit, or pranks.
Clowning is a ‘heart comedy’.
The art form is actually a vital tool that society can benefit from. It can bring us together through the laughter of compassion to celebrate the fact we’re all ‘fools’ sometimes in our lives, ergo, “we are all human.”
When an audience joins together in laughter at a clown it is an act of social cohesion based upon empathy. The empathy is borne in the recognition of our own flaws and foolishness. The audience can dream upon the clown, and witness themselves through it.
Clown is an artform that can hold immense poetry and metaphor.
It is an artform that is immediately accessible to the 5-year-old as much as the 95-year-old.
It is an artform that doesn’t need language and can engage across language barriers, transcending cultural differences to inspire people through laughter.
It can offer a transcendent experience not just from the catharsis of laughter, but of the power of artistic composition.
The form is so ‘childlike and innocent’ on the surface which actually makes it easier to apply metaphor and symbolism. Clowning can speak to deeper, subconscious themes that can move an entire audience.
It inspires creativity and imagination in both performers and audiences alike.
Clowns encourage us to view the world through a different lens, promoting open-mindedness and innovation by embracing absurdity.
The ‘lunacy’ of the clown helps rewire our brains to be more creative and open to thinking ‘outside the box’.
Clowns serve as ambassadors of joy.
The best clowns create laughter by sharing their common humanity with us all. It is a vulnerable, self-less, and beautiful offer.
They remind us of the importance of laughter, kindness, and creativity in building a happier and more harmonious world.
I hope this helps!
-Andrew 🙂