Clowns With Gowns

Clowns With Gowns
Performed by:
Adiana Chavez as Carmen Francesca Maria Frida Ophelia De La Rosas
and
Heidi Rider as Gertrude

Written & Directed by: Adiana Chavez & Heidi Rider
Ernestine and Lighting Design, Tech: Cynthia Jankowski
Music by: Andrew Bird, Connie Francis, Lady Gaga, Henry Mancini, Carl Orff, Gran Banda Taurina, Woody Herman and Evan Lurie

Opening music was really wonderful and I enjoyed it, but not much happened on stage. The Clowns first moment was disappointing. What did happen was not moving or dramatic, it was simple but simple must be played well. The costumes and props were wonderful and it was a nice visual, all except for the white sheet backdrop. Really enjoyed the next piece of music. We did not experience the wonderful clown - I believe Adriana the clown with the big hair and lots of flower in it. It felt like she was going through the show technically. Third piece of music was also excellent. But the clown I believe Carmen played by Adriana all of her moves where predictable and felt like she was posing. Of course there are times when we have a bad night and this could be the case.

The next moment with I believe Clown Gertrude, Heidie was a breath of fresh air and a surprise. But the moment between the two clowns was not built on and it was like, ok we did that trick now on to the next trick or movement. Clown Gertrude is a joy to watch. Her movements are clean and crisp. She is totally involved with every moment full of intent and passion whenever she is on stage. Carmen was playing only one note, which can be justified and very funny in some cases but there were missed moments through out the whole show when they were working together. Missed by both of them.

Effort in everything one does on stage matters. It is the little things that count. Especially off stage noise, it must be exactly what you need to assist your actions. In this case the back stage noise was poorly executed and felt like it needed more attention, investigation and play. That effort in detail is vital, especially with clown theatre. It needs to be investigated, planned and played. Through out their piece there was just a lot of posing and posturing with not much play. But I did enjoy listening to all of their recorded music.

Some of their prop/costume piece where brilliant but we really wanted to see some investigation and development. So much more can be done with just a little more play. It is almost like they were afraid to risk. The whole piece is very safe. When on stage there is no need to rush. All of the music in there show I enjoyed listening to. The music is through out their show. It is possible the recorded music is locking them in so they cannot play. So far the only performer I have seen use recorded music well in the festival is Coney Island Chris who only uses about three bars of any recorded music.

It also seemed they did not know if they wanted to do a dance piece or a clown piece. In the festival two years ago there was a woman who did a very successful “Clown Dance Theatre” piece and Jenny Sargent and Aimee German use clown music and dance very well and is a total joy to watch. If they want to do Clown Dance Theatre they should go all the way with it. I do not believe the term Clown Dance Theatre was used before the clown festival two years ago. It is one form, which many of these new young female clowns seem to be developing. Congratulations to these two women for giving their musicians credit. Who made their costumes? If they did they did an excellent job. It is visually wonderful piece, but more needs to happen on stage. Look forward to seeing where these two young women go especially Gertrude the one with the thin piece of hair going up on top of her head.