On Sept. 24-28, the Furman Department of Theatre Arts performed “A ClownShow.” The production presented a montage of short sketches centered on physical comedy. The cast further engaged the audience by breaking the third wall, talking with audience members and occasionally giving them small roles.
The show was directed by Doug Berky ‘95, who has participated in the world of physical theater for more than 30 years. Berky values physical comedy, and his goal was for the cast and audience of “A ClownShow” to appreciate it too.
“We often forget that theatre is a physical/visual art. People come to see a play. However, when a production begins with a script, the words and interpretation of them — many times — gets primary focus from the actors. Little attention is paid to the physical nature of the characters,” Berky said. “In our work on ‘A ClownShow,’ my intention was to reverse that practice.”
He encouraged the actors to use creativity and imagination, helping them to discover their inner clowns, and gave them guidance on how to improvise and create. From there, the clowns themselves took charge.
“I believe the ‘show’ the clowns created is a secondary focus. The primary focus is the clowns themselves,” Berky said.
Noah Bridgers, a cast member, played an “anxious, depressive clown, inspired by Pierrot of the Commedia del’Arte and the Peanuts comics.” He was the center of a skit in which he tried many times to play guitar and kept failing.
Bridgers explained that this show was difficult because the cast was unaccustomed to its style of theatre. There was no script or premade characters — the cast had to create those elements on their own. He emphasized the role of emotional response in the formation of the show.
“In clowning, you can’t think at all. You have to feel each moment,” Bridgers said.
Bridgers also explained that the cast had to reflect on the parts of their identity that are often hidden to develop their own clowns. He played an anxious, depressed clown because it is a part of him that he often hides away, but this act was made to be an outlet to show parts of oneself that are not often expressed.
“It’s not acting authentic, it’s being authentic, and people can tell the difference,” Bridgers said.
On the surface, “A ClownShow” is a comedic, family-friendly and entertaining experience. It serves as a respite from the seriousness of daily life. However, under the red noses, colorful wigs and over-sized shoes, it is a way of expressing what otherwise cannot be expressed — a reminder that there is much to be learned from laughter and play.
“They created a heart-warming performance event. It was all any of us could have hoped for,” Berky said.
