Expanding the Clown
Derek Kwan
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Expanding the Clown
Derek Kwan
Derek Kwan is seeking more inclusive forms of clowning through developing training that decentres and decolonizes the notion of what clown is. Derek shares:
I have a passion for clown—as an art form, pedagogic tool, and a form of healing. Clowning is fairly young; it may have ancient roots, however our current understanding stems largely from articulations by Jacques Lecoq (and other white European men), particularly clown in theatrical contexts. The project of clown (and teaching it) has never examined its European colonialist roots, and this within a context that demands us to bare our souls and live in our vulnerability.
“I propose the de-colonization and re-contextualization of clown pedagogy—towards an anti-oppressive, inclusive clown”
For those of us othered by society, who are continually the butt of jokes, bullied for our identities, and blocked from the mainstream, this vulnerability is painful, difficult to access, and re-traumatizing. However, I truly believe in the positive power of clown (and related concepts of presence and game) and it has become a cornerstone of my life and practice. I therefore propose the de-colonization and re-contextualization of clown pedagogy—towards an anti-oppressive, inclusive clown.
I hope to see more diverse and intersectional clowns both in clown shows (theatrical clown) but also in related clown forms (such as therapeutic clown) and beyond. I would also love more people to learn what clown can do for them as human beings and as performers.
Derek Kwan is a theatre creator working at the intersection of theatre, music, and movement in a number of forms including opera, clown, and puppetry. His performing career has taken him across Canada and the globe, from London, England, to performances in the Czech Republic, Mexico, Japan, Thailand, Taiwan, and China. In addition to performing, he has previously held administrative and producing positions at fu-GEN Asian Canadian Theatre, Cahoots Theatre Company, Tapestry Opera, and Butterfly Effect Theatre in Taipei, Taiwan. Derek has a particular interest in celebrating intersectional identities, telling stories from different perspectives, and creating theatre for more audiences. Derek is also a therapeutic clown, serving paediatric clients as well as Elders.
Expanding the Clown
Expanding the Clown
Derek Kwan
Derek Kwan is seeking more inclusive forms of clowning through developing training that decentres and decolonizes the notion of what clown is. Derek shares:
I have a passion for clown—as an art form, pedagogic tool, and a form of healing. Clowning is fairly young; it may have ancient roots, however our current understanding stems largely from articulations by Jacques Lecoq (and other white European men), particularly clown in theatrical contexts. The project of clown (and teaching it) has never examined its European colonialist roots, and this within a context that demands us to bare our souls and live in our vulnerability.
“I propose the de-colonization and re-contextualization of clown pedagogy—towards an anti-oppressive, inclusive clown”
For those of us othered by society, who are continually the butt of jokes, bullied for our identities, and blocked from the mainstream, this vulnerability is painful, difficult to access, and re-traumatizing. However, I truly believe in the positive power of clown (and related concepts of presence and game) and it has become a cornerstone of my life and practice. I therefore propose the de-colonization and re-contextualization of clown pedagogy—towards an anti-oppressive, inclusive clown.
I hope to see more diverse and intersectional clowns both in clown shows (theatrical clown) but also in related clown forms (such as therapeutic clown) and beyond. I would also love more people to learn what clown can do for them as human beings and as performers.
Derek Kwan is a theatre creator working at the intersection of theatre, music, and movement in a number of forms including opera, clown, and puppetry. His performing career has taken him across Canada and the globe, from London, England, to performances in the Czech Republic, Mexico, Japan, Thailand, Taiwan, and China. In addition to performing, he has previously held administrative and producing positions at fu-GEN Asian Canadian Theatre, Cahoots Theatre Company, Tapestry Opera, and Butterfly Effect Theatre in Taipei, Taiwan. Derek has a particular interest in celebrating intersectional identities, telling stories from different perspectives, and creating theatre for more audiences. Derek is also a therapeutic clown, serving paediatric clients as well as Elders.
Derek Kwan is seeking more inclusive forms of clowning through developing training that decentres and decolonizes the notion of what clown is. Derek shares:
I have a passion for clown—as an art form, pedagogic tool, and a form of healing. Clowning is fairly young; it may have ancient roots, however our current understanding stems largely from articulations by Jacques Lecoq (and other white European men), particularly clown in theatrical contexts. The project of clown (and teaching it) has never examined its European colonialist roots, and this within a context that demands us to bare our souls and live in our vulnerability.
“I propose the de-colonization and re-contextualization of clown pedagogy—towards an anti-oppressive, inclusive clown”
For those of us othered by society, who are continually the butt of jokes, bullied for our identities, and blocked from the mainstream, this vulnerability is painful, difficult to access, and re-traumatizing. However, I truly believe in the positive power of clown (and related concepts of presence and game) and it has become a cornerstone of my life and practice. I therefore propose the de-colonization and re-contextualization of clown pedagogy—towards an anti-oppressive, inclusive clown.
I hope to see more diverse and intersectional clowns both in clown shows (theatrical clown) but also in related clown forms (such as therapeutic clown) and beyond. I would also love more people to learn what clown can do for them as human beings and as performers.
Derek Kwan is a theatre creator working at the intersection of theatre, music, and movement in a number of forms including opera, clown, and puppetry. His performing career has taken him across Canada and the globe, from London, England, to performances in the Czech Republic, Mexico, Japan, Thailand, Taiwan, and China. In addition to performing, he has previously held administrative and producing positions at fu-GEN Asian Canadian Theatre, Cahoots Theatre Company, Tapestry Opera, and Butterfly Effect Theatre in Taipei, Taiwan. Derek has a particular interest in celebrating intersectional identities, telling stories from different perspectives, and creating theatre for more audiences. Derek is also a therapeutic clown, serving paediatric clients as well as Elders.
