Clowning for Childline

Call them “jokers” and they will take offence. Meet Martin ‘Flubber’ D’souza, a professional clown, who along with his team of seven clowns will be performing at the International Clown Fest from September 30 to October 2 in the city. HT reports.

Call them “jokers” and they will take offence. Meet Martin ‘Flubber’ D’souza, a professional clown, who along with his team of seven clowns will be performing at the International Clown Fest from September 30 to October 2 in the city.

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“In India, people misinterpret the concept of clowns. Clowns are supposed to make people happy, not just make them laugh. At the international level, clowning is considered a profession,” said D’souza, an Andheri resident, who will host his international friends flying down from the US, Canada and Malaysia.

“Clowns are not just entertainers at birthday parties and two-minute fillers at events,” he added. The festival will have four elements—a meet and greet session, a theatre show, an outreach programme and a clowning workshop.

The clowning workshop will include sessions on basic clowning, balloon sculpting, clown make-up and juggling tricks.

“At the meet and greet session, we will be giving perspective to the profession. Clowning is a serious business," said D’souza, adding that as part of the outreach programme, the clowns will be performing for underprivileged children associated with the non-government organisation, Childline. “We are also caring clowns,” he added.

Childline will receive the proceeds from the ticketed festival. “Our children will be a privileged lot to learn the basics of performance,” said Nishit Kumar, head of communications, Childline.