‘Humanity in Extremis’ is the 3 word answer to ‘What is Dark Clown?’. in a lively one hour talk/experience Peta Lily will attempt to describe the work, its origins, ethics and pedagogy, plus give a physical story-telling of key scenes in Dark Clown productions* … and maybe include an exercise or two with audience volunteers. Lily will talk about the power of comedy craft and the techniques to safely portray Marginalised Emotions. Lily’s Dark Clown workshops have helped theatre makers, storytellers, stand-ups, hospital clowns, therapists and others become ‘beautifully uncomfortably comfortable’ playing with darker content. For people who have done Lily’s classes, this is a great chance to hear more about Enforced Performance Dramaturgy. People find the work ‘inspirational’, ‘freeing’, ‘energising’ and ‘life affirming’.
*Hamlet or Die - 'Deals with extremity, pointlessness and pain. A dark and disturbing piece of theatre built on the sufferings of others.'- South China Morning Post; Strange Forces - ‘Terrific. Clowns like wounded refugees from a post-apocalyptic Beckett play.’ - Lyn Gardner; Tryfuss Theatre Company, Portugal. The Maids by Jean Genet - ‘The most meaningful and truthful production of the play I have seen.’- Pedro Aparício, Academia Contemporâner do Espectáculo
