Clown Studies Homework

To the surprise of no one, I am taking a course called Clown Studies.

Here's an excerpt from my homework:

Can you begin to specify some of the criteria you prefer to use in assessing clowns and clowning?

• Humor

• Imagination

• innovation

• simplicity

• whether or not an audience seems to understand and appreciate the performance

• distinctive visuals

• theatrical technique

• whether or not the clown has successfully engaged and transformed an audience/participants

Which variables are of interest?

• Do I find this funny? Do other people find this funny?

• How may I inspire others to be curious about what I find interesting about clowning?

• Is there an underlying or overt political insight to be gleaned from this clowning piece?

• How do I escape from going too far up my own ass about politics and keep clowning fun?

• How may I create opportunities for field research, participation, creation and community, rather than snuffing out the flame with too much intellectualizing and paralysis by analysis?