Around 25 clowns from 10 different countries descended on Kala Academy, in Campal, Panjim, on October 25, 2024 to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the International Clown Festival.
A two-hour programme showcased 25 clowns from countries across the globe – Argentina, Brazil, Peru, France, Italy, Germany, Russia and India – who took to the stage at Kala Academy to entertain Goans, especially the kids, with songs, dances and juggling acts.
The leader of the entire group of 25 clowns, Martin D’Souza from Mumbai, and an award-winning international performer, said that clowning is one of the many art forms that have a history in India.
“With new shows across the country,” he added, “clowning is gaining more prominence.”
Reflecting on his past performances as a clown on the stage, Martin – popularly known as Flubber – said that, in 2010, exactly 14 years ago, the clowns were in Goa to give their first performance and entertain audiences.
Reflecting on his past performances as a clown on the stage, Martin – popularly known as Flubber – said that, in 2010, exactly 14 years ago, the clowns were in Goa to give their first performance and entertain audiences.
“This time around,” he said, “it is even more special as it marks the 10th anniversary of the International Clown Festival and there are three shows daily till October 27, 2024.
“It is a 10-cities show and we are doing 75-100 shows, beginning from September and concluding by December. We have already covered Pune, Bangalore and Kolkata, and from here, we will move to other states as well,” Flubber mentioned.
Giving some more details about the festival, Flubber said that it is a two-hour show with professional clowns performing a whole series of comedy pieces which include a bit of juggling, a bit of comedy and unicycling.
“There is original music throughout, which is interactive for kids as well as grown-ups. It is a whole variety of entertainment for the family, apart from being a stress-free booster,” he continued.
Martin was the vice-president of the World Clown Association and the only Indian to win that honour.
“While the show is specifically meant for children, it is a family entertainer, with parents along with their kids encouraged to emote freely. It is not merely a kiddie show, but a family show where parents and kids burst out laughing and smiling, thus easing all their tensions and worries,” he shared.
The leader of the entire group of 25 clowns, Martin D’Souza from Mumbai, and an award-winning international performer, said that clowning is one of the many art forms that have a history in India.
Speaking more about the clowns and clowning, Flubber said that clowning is not just about clowns.
“There are clowns in Carnivals, schools and hospitals as well. Hospital clowning helps ease the pain of the patients suffering from chronic diseases. If we can bring a smile on the face of a patient in deep pain, then that is our greatest satisfaction. And, that is our main task and mission.”
“Earlier clowning might not have had much prominence in society,” notes the curator and producer of the International Clown Festival. “But now, it is taken very seriously, and it is due to their efforts that the entertainers are now respected across the country and world.”
“The best part is that all of us are highly skilled, award-winning entertainers or clowns. When there is a respect for the art form and you make yourself presentable, then automatically people and kids begin respecting and liking you,” he added.
“But, if you don’t respect your talent and art, then nobody will enjoy what you are doing on stage, and nobody will follow you. It’s all about winning the hearts of those, young and old, viewing offstage,” he concluded.
The 10th anniversary of the International Clown Festival features three daily shows (11 am, 3 pm & 7 pm) at Kala Academy in Campal, Panjim, and will run until October 27, 2024.