Research - Week #6 Clowning Around

"Clown has great importance as part of the search for what is laughable and ridiculous in man. We should put the emphasis on the rediscovery of our own individual clown, the one that has grown-up within us and which society does not allow us to express.” - Jacques Lecoq

The Art of Clowning

Today we explored Clown. We each put on a red nose. The red nose becomes a tiny neutral mask of our clown. We play a game of hot and cold with the audience. Silence is golden.

The Audience

A clown loves their audience. Keeping eye contact and checking in with them all the time. Playing with the audience. Pushing the limits. Repeating a joke however unfunny until they laugh. The clown feels uncomfortable.

Inner Clown

The performers discover their inner clowns. Some childlike and naive others unable to laugh at themselves and dominating. The clowns play in pairs. One clown has an object the other wants. Mission Impossible.

Reflect

We reflect on our session. Failing is good. If you do something bad, we love you. 

"To feel ridiculous and sensitive is a part of freedom.” - Philippe Gaulier

Have a look of a short clip of Ben and Francis Clowning around! 

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My name is Nathalie Carrington, this is my reflective diary following my research on how a two-way creative exchange between performers with learning disabilities and drama school graduates can impact theatre as a training and communal activity. This research is being done in partnership with LAMDA, University of Brighton and BCH to further understand the benefits of inclusion of learning disabled artists within professional actor training.