Motherhood – a journey filled with laughter, tears, and the constant balancing act of nurturing our children while tending to our own needs. In August 2023, I found myself drawn to share the beauty of clowning with a group of remarkable mothers. Together, we embarked on a workshop that became a sanctuary of laughter, camaraderie, and self-discovery. Amidst the chaos of parenting, we rediscovered the importance of play – not only for our children but for ourselves. Motherhood often leads us to shelve our inner child, consumed by the demands of daily life. We forget the simple joy of play, prioritising practicalities over the whimsical. Yet, within the realm of clowning, I am able to find a bridge between my roles as a caregiver and a playful spirit. It is allowing me to navigate the complexities of parenthood with a sense of lightness and creativity. I wish for the ‘Clown for Mamas’ workshop to become a space for collective healing and reflection. Where we laugh to forget the challenges, but we also can cry to remember the beauty of our journey. Through clowning, we are encouraged to embrace the duality of motherhood – the loss of freedom juxtaposed with the creation of precious memories. Now as I embark on crafting a clown show inspired by my own motherhood journey, I am confronted by the uncertainties and joys inherent in both parenting and performance. Like raising a child, creating a theatrical piece is a labour of love, fraught with obstacles and moments of pure delight. It echoes the universal question that every parent grapples with: "Am I doing this right?" “Will they still love me?”.
Clowning is teaching me to embrace the messiness of life, to find beauty in imperfection, and to celebrate the joyous absurdity of motherhood. It's not about following a script but rather improvising with the unexpected twists and turns that come our way. Just as each clown performance is unique, so too is every moment of motherhood. The art of clowning is offering me profound insights into the nature of joy and resilience. In the world of clowning, perfection is not only unattainable but also undesirable. Clowns revel in their flaws, finding humour and humanity in their quirks and imperfections. Through their antics, they invite us to laugh at ourselves, to release the burden of striving for an unattainable ideal, and to embrace the messy beauty of being human. In the end, the journey of motherhood is not about achieving perfection but rather about embracing the journey with all its ups and downs. Through clowning, I am discovering that the key to finding joy amidst the chaos lies in embracing our inner child, nurturing our sense of play, and cherishing the precious moments of connection with our children and fellow mothers. In embracing my inner clown, I'm learning to let go of my need for control and perfection. Instead, I'm embracing the spontaneity of the moment, surrendering to the unpredictable rhythms of life with a sense of curiosity and wonder, and yes sometimes dread. In a recent heart-to-heart with a fellow mama, I confessed a truth that resonates deeply: part of motherhood is grappling with moments where enjoyment feels elusive. It's a sentiment shared among many mothers, a recognition that the journey is not always smooth sailing. Like a clown navigating a slapstick routine, I stumble, I fall, and I pick myself back up again, laughing all the while. And in doing so, I'm discovering that the true joy of motherhood lies in the messy, imperfect, gloriously chaotic dance of life. As I reflect on the transformative power of clowning in my motherhood journey, I am filled with gratitude for the laughter, the tears, and the profound sense of community that it has brought into my life. And though the road ahead may be uncertain, I am comforted by the knowledge that as long as I have my clown nose and an open heart, I can navigate the joys and challenges of motherhood with grace and resilience.
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Enter the fantastical domain of the clown's universe, and you'll find yourself captivated not only by the dazzling performances under the spotlight but also by the enigmatic world that lies just beyond the curtain—the backstage. A liminal space where reality and fantasy intersect, the backstage serves as the gateway between the stage and the outer world. In this hidden dimension, the clown, that whimsical and unpredictable figure, finds a home—a space where the unseen, the negative space of the clown, comes to life. The Backstage as a Planet: Imagine the backstage as a celestial body, a planet orbiting the stage in a parallel universe. This is where the clown resides, navigating through a cosmos of red noses, exaggerated props, and vibrant costumes. The backstage is not just a physical space but a dimension filled with the echoes of laughter, the scent of greasepaint, and the anticipation of the performance yet to unfold. As we explore the backstage, we delve into the very heart of the clown's universe—a place where transformation occurs. Here, the clown sheds the mask of normalcy and steps into a world of absurdity and paradox. The backstage becomes a playground where the laws of reality are bent, and the clown's essence is distilled. The Clown's Habitat: Where does the clown live in this peculiar backstage planet? The answer lies in the interstitial spaces between costume racks and makeup tables, where chaos and creativity collide. The dressing room becomes a sanctuary, a cocoon in which the clown undergoes a metamorphosis, shedding the mundane and emerging as a fantastical being. Within the backstage, the clown's habitat extends beyond the dressing room. It encompasses the narrow corridors adorned with faded posters from performances long past, the cluttered storage areas housing oversized props, and the secretive corners where laughter and camaraderie intertwine. This habitat is a reflection of the clown's spirit—colourful, unpredictable, and delightfully chaotic. The Unseen Silhouette:
In the outer world, the audience witnesses the clown's larger-than-life silhouette under the spotlight. However, it's in the backstage's negative space that we discover the essence of the clown—a silhouette shaped by vulnerability, resilience, and a deep connection to the art of laughter. The unseen silhouette is not just a physical form but a manifestation of the clown's inner world, a world that thrives on the tension between joy and melancholy. It's in these backstage moments that the clown grapples with the duality of their existence, finding beauty in the absurdity of life. The backstage, a planet unto itself, is where the clown's journey truly begins. It is a space where the ordinary transforms into the extraordinary, and reality gives way to fantasy. As we unravel the mysteries of the backstage, we gain insight into the soul of the clown—their laughter, their tears, and the vibrant, unseen silhouette that dances between the worlds of the stage and the outer reality. This year, around this time commemorates a decade since I initially stepped onto the Lecoq floorboards. In the enchanting realm of theatre, where words meet movement, the Jacques Lecoq pedagogy has been my guiding star—a transformative journey that has unlocked the door to crafting poetic, moving theatre shows. Especially when it comes to approaching the smallest mask in the world; the red nose. 👣 The Power of the Body as a Storyteller: Lecoq’s teachings have gifted me a profound appreciation for the body’s eloquence. Every gesture, every step, every nuance becomes a note in a symphony of comedic storytelling. 🎭 Characters Beyond Words: With Lecoq, characters cease to be mere words on a page. They become living, breathing entities birthed from the depth of movement. Through masks, mime, and physical exploration, I’ve discovered the art of shaping and embodying characters in a way that transcends the boundaries of language. 🎶 The Dance of Emotion: Emotions are not just felt; they are danced. Lecoq’s pedagogy has shown me that emotions can be conveyed through the subtlest of movements—the quiver of a hand, the arch of a back, or the rhythm of a heartbeat. 🌌 Creating Worlds Without Limits: In the Lecoq universe, the stage knows no bounds. It’s a canvas where imagination runs wild, and the laws of physics are mere suggestions. Through physical improvisation, I’ve witnessed the birth of surreal landscapes, the magic of impossible encounters, and the beauty of limitless creativity. 💡 A Journey of Self-Discovery: Beyond the artistry, Lecoq’s pedagogy has been a journey of self-discovery. It’s an exploration of my own physicality as i get older, an excavation of hidden facets of myself, and a continual process of growth and revelation.
🌟 Crafting Poetic Moving Theatre: With every step, every mask donned, every character embodied and inspired, I’ve learned to craft theatre that is not just seen but felt. It’s theatre that lingers in the hearts of the audience, leaving them with a sense of wonder and a yearning for more. In embracing the Lecoq pedagogy, I’ve found a path to create theatre that moves and is not bound by the limitations of words. It’s a journey that continues to inspire, challenge, and illuminate my artistic soul, and I’m endlessly grateful for the poetic world it has allowed me to weave on the stage. Merci @ecolejacques Singing, with its power to convey emotions and touch the soul, is a journey through the realms of both fear and beauty. Each note, each lyric, is a step into the vulnerability of unveiling one's innermost self to the world. This daunting prospect, however, holds within it a transformative beauty—a beauty that emerges from embracing imperfections and connecting on a profound level with both oneself and the audience. The Scary Journey: Every time the stage is taken, or the voice is shared, fear courses through the veins. It's the fear of judgment, the fear of not being good enough, and the fear of exposing the true self to the world. Singing, in essence, is an act of vulnerability, a courageous unveiling of the soul's melodies. The heart races, the palms sweat, and the mind questions whether it's worth stepping into this scary spotlight. The Beauty Within Imperfections: Yet, within this fear lies a paradoxical beauty. It is in those vulnerable moments that the true magic of singing surfaces. The cracks, the flaws, the imperfections—these are not blemishes but rather the facets that make a performance truly remarkable. The raw and unfiltered emotions become the paint on the canvas, creating a masterpiece that resonates with authenticity. Connecting Through Vulnerability: The imperfections in a performance become bridges that connect the singer with the audience. It's a shared experience where the audience sees not just a polished performer but a real, authentic individual. The vulnerability becomes the common ground, fostering a connection that transcends the boundaries of the stage. In those moments, the audience doesn't just hear the singer; they feel the singer. Discovering the Authentic Self: Through the journey of vulnerability, an incredible transformation occurs. The singer discovers their most authentic self. It's a profound realisation that embracing imperfections and confronting fears lead to a deeper connection with oneself. In the rawness of vulnerability, a genuine and unfiltered version of the self emerges—a version that is not afraid to be seen, flaws and all. A Personal Journey: In my own experience, I am recalling a recent moment during the creative development of my latest show when my colleague, in the spirit of a clown warm-up, asked me to sing. The nerves were palpable, and the fear of stepping into this unfamiliar territory was daunting. However, despite the trepidation, I chose to embrace the challenge. As I let the notes escape my lips, there was a shift—a transformation from fear to freedom.
The Feeling of Freedom: Stepping into the scary territory of singing as a clown warm-up felt incredibly freeing and amazing. It was a moment of liberation from self-imposed constraints and a celebration of the beauty that arises when vulnerability is embraced. The act of singing, even in a playful and unconventional context, became a testament to the power of stepping outside one's comfort zone. Singing through vulnerability is a courageous act, a journey that encompasses both fear and beauty. It's a reminder that the most authentic and genuine moments in life often arise from embracing imperfections and confronting fears head-on. Through the cracks and flaws, the real magic of singing emerges—a magic that connects hearts, transcends boundaries, and leaves an indelible mark on both the singer and the audience. So, let the fear be the guide into the beauty of vulnerability, for in that space, true transformation, connection, and the feeling of freedom await. Yay!! Clowning stands as an enduring art form, eliciting joy and laughter across generations. At the heart of the classic clown aesthetic lies the iconic red nose—an emblem of whimsy and merriment.
Utilising the red nose serves to accentuate your sense of bewilderment, directing focus towards your expressions and physicality. It's akin to having a conspicuous pimple on your nose, revealing facets of your character like a magnifying glass. The nose signals a commanding presence in the room, demanding attention and drawing spectators closer to the performer. They act as a visual cue, signaling that something captivating is about to unfold. For those embarking on their clowning journey, I've compiled a list of links where you can explore and purchase the ideal red nose. It's important to note that I am not affiliated with any of these companies: RED NOSE FACTORY RENEGADE JUGGLING CLOWN ANTICS PRO KNOWS Did you know I was not born an actor or clown artist? Yep, I was your 9 to 5 gal, and then I quit. Here are My 5 Whys: 1. Because as children, we were all experts at play and I LOVE TO PLAY. Becoming a clown is my way of reconnecting with that inner child who found wonder and delight in every moment. The truth is I wanted to have more fun and take life less seriously and to be free to be me! La vida es un Carnaval ! 2, I left the corporate world as it felt like I was living in a never-ending episode of “The Office.” I craved something more meaningful, something where I could genuinely touch people’s lives with laughter. Office life for sometimes felt like a never-ending cycle of seriousness. I yearned to reintroduce the element of play into my daily existence, to rediscover the joy it brings. 3. When it’s tough out there in clowning world I often ask myself why choose this path ? Picture this: a room filled with kids’ laughter, parents forgetting their worries, and strangers becoming friends over a shared laugh. That’s the magic of clowning, and I wanted to be the magician. Clowning isn’t just about entertainment; it’s about reminding adults and children alike of the importance of play. Play fosters creativity, empathy, and connection – it’s a universal language that transcends boundaries. 4. I left my comfy salary because comfort zones are cozy but uninspiring. At the time it was time to trade my suit for a red nose and the monotony of office meetings for the unpredictability of clown shows. One of my highest values is adventure and life in the clown fast lane is one giant unpredictable joyride!
5. Life is too precious to waste on anything less than what sets your heart on fire. I want to be the reason someone smiles on a tough day, and I’m ready to give it my all. And play is a fundamental part of being human. It relieves stress, sparks innovation, and brings people closer together. By spreading laughter, I aim to highlight the significance of play in our lives. I just want to keep on playing and making shows that inspire laughter and good times! Nothing wrong with that I say!
Guest host Maleeka Gazula spoke to Alicia about her experience going to the famous theatre-making school, creating The Clown Institute, and how clowning has brought the gifts of self-discovery, authenticity and joy to her life.
Visit here or listen on Spotify Both the natural and creative worlds are at a tipping point – impacted by urban growth, climate crisis and now Covid. We face enormous challenges for our ecosystems to survive and thrive. The Inner West Council has funded 20 arts projects to explore these issues in creative spaces such as shipping containers and under bridges on the Greenway. Come along and see for yourself. EDGE GREENWAY 2021 Pop-up Performance What’s the clown’s point of view of the natural and creative world in crisis? You’re invited to an intimate encounter with a bereft clown. An 'Enclownter with joy' is an interactive 5-minute experience between you and a clown set on the Greenway. It is played out for spectators one at a time, from the moment the clown opens the velvet rope and invites you to sit next to her to a curtain call. You play the role of ‘joy’ as you take part in a silent dialogue and observe the surrounding natural and urban landscape. Dates + Times Sat 24th April, Sun 25th April Sat 1st May, Mon 3rd May, Thurs 6th May & Sun 9th May 2PM-4PM Ticket Price Free. Just turn up, booking not necessary. Location In between Blackmore Oval & Peace Park, Lilyfield. Public Workshop
Playing in Nature Workshop: When clowning and nature meet Facilitated by Alicia Gonzalez. ‘Beauty arises in the stillness of your presence...Presence is needed to become aware of nature'. -Eckhart Tolle / Power of Now The essence of a clown is presence, imagination, and creativity. In this 3-hour outdoor workshop, you will learn clowning technique while being surrounded by the natural environment of the Greenway corridor. The clown asks us to open our eyes and to observe the world as they live and love to imitate life, so you’ll observe and interact with the movements of nature and how they correspond to movements of the human condition and emotion and how this can serve as inspiration for comedy and You will learn how to create the best conditions for play, to play deeply in your bodies. The workshop will include warm-ups and group games and will be led in a playful and light spirit, so you can expect some giggles along the way. We’re not talking about the circus-variety clown. This work is closer to the style of Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton. Capacity: 20 people maximum. Open to all levels. Ages 12+. Date + Times Saturday 8th May 10AM-1PM Meet at Peace Park, Lilyfield. Ticket price Free (bookings essential) In a world where the performing arts have been uprooted from their traditional stages and shifted to online platforms, the 2020 Virtual Clown workshop emerged as a unique opportunity to explore the boundless potential of clowning in the virtual realm. This four-day online lab, made possible by the support of Create NSW, offered me a transformative experience, allowing me to authentically connect, laugh, and play with virtual audiences, while bridging the gaps created by isolation and separation.
As I reflect on my journey during and after the workshop, several insights come to mind: Discovering the Space of Clown Online: The workshop opened my eyes to the vast possibilities of the "space of clown" in the virtual realm. Together with fellow participants, we embarked on a journey of defining and experimenting with different spatial dynamics. It was as if the online space itself had a personality, a madness that beckoned us to play and explore. In this new environment, the virtual space became an active participant, breathing and moving alongside us, adding an extra layer of magic to our performances. Playing with the Virtual Space: During the workshop, we delved into the intricate relationship between the clown and the virtual space. We pushed the boundaries of our creativity, embracing the constraints and seizing the opportunities offered by the online environment. As we stretched our imaginations and bodies, we discovered dramatic and comic spatial possibilities that harmonized with the virtual realm. This playful exploration empowered us to create dynamic interactions and forge connections with our virtual audiences like never before. Authentic Connection through Screens: One of the workshop's highlights was the quest for authentic connection with our audiences through screens. We learned the art of staying present, actively listening, and responding to every subtle nuance that emerged from our clown's natural being. It was truly transformative to witness how, through our performances, we could touch the hearts of our virtual spectators. The workshop served as a powerful platform for us to transform personal narratives and tragedies into works of absurd poetic clown performances that were tailored specifically for the online medium. The connection we forged was nothing short of beautiful. Determining the Spectator's Experience: Throughout the workshop, we immersed ourselves in understanding the dynamic relationship between the clown and the online space and its impact on the spectator's experience. We explored ways to create a rhythmic consequence of strong images, engaging the audience's imagination on a profound level. The goal was to stimulate their senses rather than rely solely on reason. Through this exploration, I gained valuable insights into how to create meaningful connections and craft performances that truly resonated with virtual audiences. The workshop was a testament to the transformative power of clowning as an art form, even in the face of adversity and physical limitations. As I continue to navigate the changing landscape of the performing arts, I hold onto the lessons learned and the joy, connection, and creativity that clowning brings. It is a beacon of hope, reminding us that no matter the circumstances, we can always find ways to laugh, connect, and create magic, even through screens. Clowning is in the heart business, not only does it help heighten our immune system it can also make the heart stronger, plus the clown can touch our hearts too. A clown is to be your heart on stage, whether that be the stage of life or a theatre. Sometimes we go through experiences that feel too large or significant for words to fully capture, and that is where art, our hearts, and clowning becomes useful; we go to humour, symbols, and imagery to tell our stories. Isn't that wonderful? When I first set out to put together the Clown & Melodrama workshop back in late 2019, it was born out of curiosity and desire to express my despair and to find a playful way to transform that heartbreak into physical comedy. My questions were: what's the most fun way to create clown performances from these identifiable life moments and personal struggles, and secondly could these clown performances inspire laughter, hope, and healing in others?
In devising the workshop, I decided to review my time as a student at the Jacques Lecoq school, combining principles (or provocations) from subjects we learned like melodrama, tragic chorus, and clown. I wanted to understand how best to take an audience on a pathos-fuelled journey, via tears and laughter. I remembered the work we did in the first year exploring music and the counter mask where we moved the opposite way, or against the rhythm of a musical composition. As students writhing around to the music, we'd find an absurdity – a kind of sense in the nonsense. So, I mused why not apply this similar counter mask idea to create a clown logic that reverses the audience's expectations and that could potentially tug at the heart too. I found that we can take a very serious subject like the separation of a couple and observe how the clown subverts this situation by playing against it, by using an opposite expected rhythm. The improvisation plays out like this: The clown arrives home from a long day of work and hustling to find their spouse (played by an actor in realism) furiously packing and stuffing their personal belongings into a suitcase. The most obvious reaction is for the clown to play sadness or rage. This would be the boring choice and as the audience yes, we'd feel pity for the clown but would we be transformed, is this going to tickle our funny bone and make us love the clown? My guess is - not really. But what if the clown were to walk in, pause and observe their spouse packing, suddenly change their rhythm by excitedly grabbing their dusty suitcase, snorkel gear, and beach towel under the notion that they were together going on a romantic getaway. To add insult to injury, we then hear a knock at the door and the clown's spouse greets a stranger with a passionate embrace and kiss. The clown, stunned and wide-eyed now chooses an unexpected rhythm hurriedly walks up to the stranger shakes their hand, and offers them a generous tip, mistakenly believing the new lover is the cab driver that will drive them to the airport. It is 200% more fun and surprising for the clown, your scene partner, and the audience when we get to play against the obvious and alternate the expected rhythms. Here we can access vulnerable states, paradoxes, and reversal of order which benefits the clown enter into a playful tragic realm. It removes all sentimentality so it is the audience who does the work of feeling (the gooey heart stuff) and this can hopefully lead to transformation. What is the transformation? In this scenario it is about us, the audience, connecting to the fool's misunderstanding. Around the world, we're all fractured and socially disconnected. In clowning and clown training we can engage laughter and play in direct action towards social justice, to alleviate pain and suffering, and to remind us of our humanity. The clown's role in theatre or social contexts has become clearer to me over time; they're the guiding light of hope. They're the eternal dreamer showing us the way that with every human disaster there's an opportunity to create a space for connection, to experience empathy. The Clown and Melodrama workshop aims to access a playful dimension to our human tragedies. Day one of the workshop is focused on the journey of the emotions and opening the clown's heart first because before we can begin to perform 'heart surgery' on others to some degree we must be prepared to access our vulnerable states and stories first. Day two of the workshop is then dedicated to improvisation and games around how the clown can stay optimistic despite a terrible situation, as well as devising clown creations. It's easy to be playful and laugh when we are feeling good, but it is when the world seems bleak that we need to laugh the most in our lives. Our laughter then echoes in the chambers of our hearts, filling the empty spaces with pure joy and fun. |
AuthorAlicia Gonzalez is a clown and coach living the beautifool life. Categories
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