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?
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