‘I’m not really a clown’: critical reflection on a Clown Cabaret Scratch Night

Abstract

This article is a critical reflection on the Clown Cabaret Scratch Night at Assembly Roxy, 14 November 2014, organised by Plutôt la Vie and CloWnStePPing. It considers the variety of acts included in the show and how this plurality connects to the wider contemporary genre of theatre clown. From a participant-observer perspective, I introduce the tensions and contradictions in and between the acts. I suggest that this event can provide a snapshot of how the genre is currently perceived and practiced in Scotland today. Of particular prominence are the role of the ‘flop’ in the clown’s relationship with the audience, the tension between rehearsal and spontaneity, and the connection to the ‘authentic self ’ of the performer this implies.