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Clowning glory

Witness The International Clown Festival being organised this weekend in the

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When we think of clowns, we think of colourful wigs, make-up, clothes, props and hilarious antics. And we've seen countless Hollywood movies wherein we see these colourful entertainers being a staple at kid's birthday parties and events. Here back home, we see clowns mostly only in circuses and few school events or at an amusement park. While some of us have thoroughly enjoyed being the class clown in our school days, but how about being a professional clown? Here's a chance to witness some international clowns perform, to interact with and even learn the craft of clowning. This weekend, High Street Phoenix will be hosting the third season of The International Clown Festival – Mumbai, which will see a gathering of world class talent like Dee Dee, Skiddles, Toto, Lo Lo, Puff and Flubber The Clown.

Clean, quality live entertainment
"The idea behind the The International Clown Festival is to bring good, clean, quality family entertainment in the country. Clowning is not childish but rather child-like entertainment. It's a highly skilled entertainment involving juggling, magic, mime, dancing, etc. It's a clean form of entertainment where we don't make fun of other people," explains Martin D'souza, director, Light House Entertainment and regional director, World Clown Association.

Promoting the profession
Also, another reason for this festival is to promote the profession of clowns. "Most people do not know about clowns here. The so-called clowns that they have seen are ones in circuses are dwarfs. With this event we hope to bring awareness about clowning as a career option. To change people's mindset that clowns are stupid when in reality clowning is respectable profession. We go beyond performing at kids birthday parties and involved in community work like working with hospitals, elderly homes, orphanages, visiting schools and educational institutions," adds D'souza who is a professional clown and goes by the moniker Flubber The Clown performing at family days organised by corporates. He has been clowning for around 25 years and has also done a course in Clownology from the University of Wisconsin, US.

Need awareness about the art of clowning
In India, there are no courses or institutes where one can learn the art of clowning. But don't lose hope. Besides providing entertainment at the festival, D'souza aims to provide a platform for people who wish to learn the art of clowning. D'souza who also has been conducting camps and convention workshops, mostly in Mumbai since the past eight to 10 years says that there are a lot of people who are interested in learning this craft -- Kids as young as eight years old to senior citizens, even housewives, college students. People can interact with the various clowns at the festival to learn more about the art.

WHEN & WHERE: November 1, 3.30 pm onwards, High Street Phoenix, Lower Parel

Schedule
3.30 pm: Workshop on Jugging and Balloons, by all the clowns, Courtyard
4 pm: Parade, by all the clowns, Parade through the mall
5 pm: Comedy Magic, by Flubber and Skiddles, West Court Lobby;
Comedy show and Juggling Show, by Toto and Bekah, Courtyard
5.30 pm: Comedy Show, by Dee Dee and Puff, Skyzone
6 pm: Comedy Show, Flubber and Skiddles, Courtyard
6.30 pm: Comedy show and Juggling Show, by Toto and Bekah, Skyzone
7 pm: Comedy Show and Songs, by all the clowns, Courtyard
7.30 pm: Parade, by all the clowns, Parade through the mall

Clowning Workshop
D'souza will be conducting a workshop to teach the ropes of clowning. It will cover topics like clown make-up, mime, juggling, magic tricks and the art of being funny. Call: 9987082088.
WHEN: November 3, 10.30 am to 5.30 pm
WHERE: St Pauls Institute of Communication Education, Bandra (W)
COST: Rs 3,500 (inclusive of lunch)

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