Clown Congress 2023
Clowns & Identity
Exploring Difference in Clowning
Join us for 3 days of workshops, discussions and big ideas as we explore the future of clowning
WHAT IS A CLOWN CONGRESS?
In times of crisis and change, the old models of our art-forms may need re-imagining to suit the times we are in. The Clown Congress is a curated meeting place to:
The Clown Congress is a collaboration between Robyn Hambrook, Jon Davison, Jan Wozniak and a growing community of clowns and activists interested in researching and developing our art form.
In times of crisis and change, the old models of our art-forms may need re-imagining to suit the times we are in. The Clown Congress is a curated meeting place to:
- share practice;
- have conversations about issues big and small;
- explore developments of the art form;
- ask our key questions; and,
- challenge our thinking around the possibilities and power of clowning
The Clown Congress is a collaboration between Robyn Hambrook, Jon Davison, Jan Wozniak and a growing community of clowns and activists interested in researching and developing our art form.
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We’ll be interrogating our practice asking:
This year's congress will focus on the themes of identity and clowning. We want to understand how our differences and who we are impact the way we clown. Instead of thinking of clowns as all being the same, we want to explore how clowning is influenced by our individuality and how society sees us today. We will also look at how black, disabled, queer, trans, neurodiverse, white, and neuro-normative clowns, are similar or different from each other. By doing this, we hope to discover what makes each group unique and what they have in common. The Congress serves as an interactive platform to put these questions into practice. It’s an incredible opportunity to deepen our understanding of clowns and the art of clowning. Who knows? We might even revolutionise the way we perceive clowns forever! |
Where, When & WhoWhen: Saturday 28 - Monday 30 October 2023 Where: Wickham Theatre, Bristol University, Cantock's Cl, Bristol BS8 1UP Hosted by: Robyn Hambrook, Jon Davison, Jan Wozniak & Aerial Mel at Bristol University’s Wickham Theatre Confirmed contributors: |
Who is it for?
Clowns, performers, activists, therapists, teachers, students, clown doctors, applied drama / improvisation practitioners, researchers, artists, dreamers and anyone who uses play in their work.
What does a Clown Congress look like?
Want to know what happens at a Clown Congress? You can read about last year’s event here
Clowns, performers, activists, therapists, teachers, students, clown doctors, applied drama / improvisation practitioners, researchers, artists, dreamers and anyone who uses play in their work.
What does a Clown Congress look like?
Want to know what happens at a Clown Congress? You can read about last year’s event here
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The Format:
Over the three days we will engage with contributions by invited practitioners who are actively working on issues of clowning and identity. Contributors will lead sessions which invite us to explore in practice the key questions of the congress. Sessions will be in a mixture of formats including exploratory workshops, focused discussions, open spaces, informal get-togethers and sharing individual projects and personal artistic experiences. Daily Schedule:
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The Investment:
£50 - per day includes lunch & refreshments £125 - for 3-day conference includes lunch & refreshments Tickets available on Eventbrite We are committed to making the conference as inclusive and supportive as possible. So we have some low cost options: BURSARY PLACES: (SOLD OUT) We have 5 bursary places available for those who would otherwise be unable to attend due to financial barriers. We trust you to self-identify as needing the place and will support you as much as possible during the 3 days. A bursary place will give you free access to all 3 days of the Clown Congress. CONGRESS COMRADES: (SOLD OUT) We have 6 places for those who would like to attend the Congress, reduce costs and give something back. A Congress Comrade place will give you free access to 2 days of the Clown Congress in exchange for one day in a support role. Tasks could include meet and greet, supporting facilitators, setting up for lunch etc. ONLINE PROGRAMME Saturday 28 October, 6.30pm UK time (2 hours) Lost is the Newfound with Patrick van den Boom £26 Tickets available on Eventbrite Sunday 29 October, 7pm UK time (1 hour) Finding your Fool - Exploring Identity for Clown and Physical Theatre with Danielle Levsky £8 Tickets available on Eventbrite |
For more information please contact Robyn Hambrook