photo © 2015 Kelly Bryan
STAGING THE CLOWNS
The Clowns is that very rare play, a contemporary drama that is genuinely compelling as a tragedy. Striving heroes fall from grace through their own actions. Despite being set in medieval Korea, its themes make the drama resonate with 21st century angst: corrupt government, the role of political satire, artistic integrity, queerness and gender identity, literacy versus censorship, etc.
The play features a cast of clowns who reinterpret the events satirically and throw them back in the others’ faces as a mirror. The central character, Gonggil is their trusted leader, but he turns his back on them when he finds he can rise to power as the King’s favorite. He looks into a literal mirror as he contemplates his own choices.
I saw the clowns as the real heroes, and they became the emissaries to the audience. They can interact in the drama but also join the audience as spectators. I wanted to throw the themes of difference and social justice physically into play in the space.
The performance took place in two connected spaces: the stage above representing the rooms of the palace, and the acrobatics space below where the clowns play and merge with the audience. When Gonggil crosses over from street performer to powdered courtesan, the doors of the palace close behind him.
We performed at the Container Arts Center (CATs) in Busan. After arranging for me to meet with Kim Tae-Woong to discuss the script, BETA member Choe Sangmin liaised with Sasang Indie Station to turn the multipurpose arts venue into a very unique theatre space.
Realizing this play was a constant exercise in discovery. None of us had ever attempted a production like this before, integrating a multilayered cast of performers, live musicians, and digital media.
The cast and I were novices with acrobatics and clowning. In three months of rehearsals, Acrobatics Director Jacob Elgin trained our cast in physical stunts and guest artist Amy-Louise Brassington gave us a foundation in clowning technique.
I encouraged the cast to improvise and invent new ways to portray characters, places and even set pieces physically. The evolution of the production concept and design ended up being a collaboration between all of us.
