JOIN USClowns from two continents — Asia and North America — got together earlier this month and have been enthralling audiences with what is, in India, a few rare acts.
The five, led by Mumbai-based Martin D’Souza who was crowned ‘International Clown of the Year’ by the World Clown Association, have tickled Bengalurean audiences as well.
The Mumbaikar who goes by the stage name Flubber, and two others, US-based artistes Benji (Benjamin Domask) and Maggie (Nicole Portwood), talk about their journey being clowns over a quick chat with Chetana Divya Vasudev.
When did you start clowning?
Flubber: I’ve been clowning since the 1990s, but I studied it formally in 2004. While in college, I used to do other events — compering, performing at birthday parties, which required entertainment other than magic tricks. Once, the organisers wanted me to be more, to be a clown. So I dressed up as one and found I liked it.
Maggie: I’m from Iowa, and started clowning 20 years ago at a Church there. My daughter wanted to do it; she needed a chaperone, so I chipped in. Now, I work with schoolchildren, teach them safety — fire safety, how they should always wear a helmet and the like — through clowning.
Benji: I used to do other performing acts like juggling earlier on, but I started clowning four years ago and studied clowning two-and-a-half years ago.
How do you think clowning is perceived?
Benji: Back home in Minnesota, I do a lot of things besides clowning — I’m a musician and teach theatre. But whenever I do clowning, I’ve always received an overwhelming response.
Maggie: In India, this is rare. Back home, it’s very common. One more thing, we don’t only make people laugh, we create light moments for them...
Flubber: We make people happy. And being a clown is a very respectable profession abroad.
The most challenging and fun parts that come with this profession...
Benji: The challenging part is waiting to perform and the fun part is performing.
Maggie: Challenges...the creepy clown scare that’s going around. That’s pretty sad. The most rewarding bit is even though I always go out there to give, spread love, what I receive outweighs, by far, what I give.
Flubber: All the irritating things a clown hears — show me a trick, make me laugh, dress up / act like a clown...it’s not an act. I am a clown. Also, there is no education to be a clown in India. On the other hand, acceptance (of clowns) is slowly increasing in the country.
Your impressions of the city...
Benji: I was here last year as well and love the weather and the people.
Maggie: I love the people and the food, chilli chicken in particular. Last time, after I went back home from here, I really missed the food, but I don’t know how to even begin cooking like this. We also performed at a hospital here, which was a special experience.