Publisher Description

Clowns: In Conversation is a groundbreaking collection of interviews expanded in this second edition to include over 30 of the greatest clowns on earth. In discussion with clown aficionados Ezra LeBank and David Bridel, these legends of comedy reveal the origins, inspirations, techniques, and philosophies that underpin their remarkable odysseys. These artists speak candidly about their first encounters with clowning and circus, the crucial decisions that carved out the foundations of their style, and the role of teachers and mentors who shaped their development. Follow the twists and turns that changed the direction of their art and careers, as they explore the role of failure and originality in their lives and performances, and examine the development and evolution of the signature routines that became each clown's trademark. This new edition has been fully updated and expanded, bringing in Lila Monti, Cristina Marti, Leo Bassi, Danise Payne, Bernice Collins, Ketch, Robert Dunn, Nina Conti, Hélène Gustin and Tanja Simma, Michelle Matlock, Shannan Calcutt, and Gardi Hutter.Clowns is a unique and definitive study on the art of the clown, exploring their role in the modern world – a fascinating series of discussions for students, scholars, and teachers of clowning.

Author Biography

Ezra LeBank is a Professor and the Head of Movement for the Department of Theatre Arts at California State University, Long Beach. He is a frequent contributor to Digital Theatre Plus and Total Theatre Magazine. His acrobatic plays Three and Flight have toured worldwide to critical acclaim.David Bridel is the Founding and Artistic Director of The Clown School in Los Angeles. As a playwright, director, choreographer, and performer, his work has been seen in major theatres and opera houses around the world. His plays I Gelosi, Lunatics & Actors, and Sublimity are published by Original Works Press. Learn more at

Table of Contents

Foreword to the Second Edition; Preface; Acknowledgments; Introduction; The Clowns 1. Leo Bassi 2. René Bazinet 3. Shannan Calcutt 4. Angela de Castro 5. Bernice Collins 6. Nina Conti 7. Dimitri 8. Robert Dunn 9. Jango Edwards 10. Avner Eisenberg 11. Aziz Gual 12. Hélène Gustin and Tanja Simma 13. Geoff Hoyle 14. Gardi Hutter 15. Bill Irwin and David Shiner 16. Ketch 17. David Larible 18. Cristina Marti 19. Michelle Matlock 20. Lila Monti 21. Bello Nock 22. Danise Payne 23. Larry and Lorenzo Pisoni 24. Slava Polunin 25. Oleg Popov 26. Nola Rae 27. Peter Shub 28. Misha Usov Reflections 29. Ezra and David in Conversation with Phil Burgers; Appendix of Terms

Long Description

Clowns: In Conversation is a ground-breaking collection of interviews expanded in this second edition to include over 30 of the greatest clowns on earth. In discussion with clown aficionados Ezra LeBank and David Bridel, these legends of comedy reveal the origins, inspirations, techniques, and philosophies that underpin their remarkable odysseys. These artists speak candidly about their first encounters with clowning and circus, the crucial decisions that carved out the foundations of their style, and the role of teachers and mentors who shaped their development. Follow the twists and turns that changed the direction of their art and careers, as they explore the role of failure and originality in their lives and performances, and examine the development and evolution of the signature routines that became each clown's trademark. This new edition has been fully updated and expanded, bringing in Lila Monti, Cristina Marti, Leo Bassi, Danise Payne, Bernice Collins, Ketch, Robert Dunn, Nina Conti, H

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