Flawed Genius is the website of clown performer, director and teacher, Barnaby King. It contains documentation of his past work, news of current projects, and other useful information relating to clowning.
Clowning can be many things to many people: an exploration of our essential humanity; a highly expressive form of embodied communication; a temporary escape or release from suffering or stress; a politically transgressive act; an emotional catharsis; a survival strategy. "Use it in whatever way serves you," says clown mentor Sue Morrison.
According to Morrison's teacher, Richard Pochinko, "we need a clown for today." We may honor the memory of past clowns, or dream of future clowns, but our greatest responsiblity is to the here and now. How do we discover the way to clown for today, making sure our work is both inspired by the past and moving beyond it? How do we make sure our work is of utmost relevance to people, and remain true to our inner sense of the ridiculous? How do we retain balance in the world and be the one who throws the world off balance? |