Photo:  Clown, Saltimbanco

The clown is a virtuoso of presence and emotion, straddling the border between tragedy and comedy.  This is acting and abandon pushed to their limits, the sublimation of the human condition in a creative act that sets the established order on its head. 

 

At Cirque du Soleil, the clown provokes gut emotions, evokes an ageless universe, and invokes inspiration. Clowns carry their world with them, recreating it in each of our shows.  Solo, duo, or trio acts: anything is possible.  Their wordless language is one of laughter, catastrophe, or lunacy.  But above all, they each have their own planet and Invention is their guide.

 

Clowns generally present three or four acts lasting approximately four to six minutes each. The important thing is the laughter that follows every appearance.  Clowns also work the crowd, for whom there are no guarantees! They may be seen crossing the stage at the most unexpected times.

 

All styles and colours (white-faced, red-faced, etc.) are welcomed with open arms. Russian school and slapstick, the so-called contemporary clown or buffoon and the rude old uncle, singing clowns, clown musicians and clown magicians: All are welcome.