April 3, 2011

So you thought that clowns were all about kids’ parties, red noses and a certain multinational burger chain of questionable morals? Well think again. There’s an international clown revolution taking place and it’s found its spiritual home right here in Barcelona. Stefano Iaboni is an Italian living in Barcelona and one of the ambassadors of the Nouveau Clown movement. He explains “Nouveau Clown is a marriage of the traditional art and a progressive modern style.”

Stefano has been a pupil at the renowned Nouveau Clown Institute, a school for clowns – yes, you heard right! – founded by legendary American clown and entertainer Jango Edwards. According to Stefano, Edwards has “dedicated his life to the study of comedy and the art of clown, a comic religion which he calls the Church of Grin.” The ideology of the school is to “re-discover the clown and adapt it to a more theatrical character.”

Barcelona’s free-thinking and creative atmosphere has fostered a growing movement. Professionals from the industry have gravitated toward the city, allowing workshops, performances and festivals to take place on a regular basis. Take Tortell Poltrona, founder of the Circ Cric group. He has created a Barcelona-based group, Clowns Without Borders, that provides psychological support and relief to children in refugee camps and conflict zones.

So, where to head in Barcelona to see the clowns in action? Stefano has a solo show at Almazen in May called “Desperately Seeking Stefano.” Or, if you can’t wait that long, check out the regular “Big Bang Show” at Freedonia. Stefano also recommends you keep an eye on the Clown Planet website for regular clowning updates.

May 28 at Almazen. C/ Guifré, 9 (Raval). almazen.net

Freedonia. C/ Lleialtat, 6 (Raval)

Jango Edwards. jangoedwards.net

Circ Cric. circcric.com

Clown Planet. clownplanet.com