Clowns are often depicted with suitcases, symbolizing their perpetual movement through different realities—travelling strangers who can behave in unexpected ways and find different methods of communicating when language may be a barrier. This sense of travel is not just physical but also metaphorical, allowing clowns to learn new skills, discover aspects of themselves, and embrace diverse cultures, all of which enrich their craft.
Patrick van den Boom and Olivier Hughes-Therault are clowns who have travelled and performed worldwide, engaging all ages and refining their craft. In these CLOWNVERSATION notes, they share their journey and passion for working with people with dementia.
Patrick’s Clowning Evolution
Patrick's journey into clowning began at the age of two when he dreamed of becoming a clown. However, as he grew older, he became introverted, taking time to rediscover his expressive side. His breakthrough came when he worked with disabled children, discovering a love for teaching drama. Pursuing acting school seemed like a natural next step, but he found it unfulfilling. Then, he discovered clown school, where everything clicked. Teaching clowning alongside singing and dancing, he realized that full-body engagement was the key to success.
Patrick later embarked on a project working with the elderly. Initially, he questioned whether it was the right path, but after the first visits, he saw the power of connection and play. Though he had prepared an act, he quickly abandoned it, finding that improvisational clowning and genuine interaction were what truly resonated. The elderly were more interested in learning about the clowns themselves, opening up conversations and connections that went far beyond mere performance.
Olivier’s Clowning Evolution
Olivier's passion for physical theatre, dance, and clowning stemmed from a desire to embrace foolishness before others could make a fool of him. By making mistakes, embracing stupidity, and allowing playfulness to flourish, he found freedom. One of his notable experiences was as a clown doctor in hospitals, making deliberate errors that allowed children to take charge and guide him, empowering them in the process.
Working with the elderly presented a different challenge. Unlike children, who relished the silliness of clowns, older adults often sought deeper connections. Olivier developed clown characters reminiscent of clueless Hollywood actors, in need of guidance from the elderly. Through music, dance, and non-verbal clowning, he enabled meaningful communication, helping older adults regain a sense of agency. Training staff and family members to tap into these interactions became a crucial aspect of his work.
The Training Process -
All participating clowns undergo formal training, often with acting backgrounds. However, clowning in care homes differs from traditional theatre—it's about stepping into another person’s physical world. The clowns take time at the doorways to ensure the elderly welcome their presence, relying on staff (the "butlers") to guide interactions appropriately. A key principle is avoiding infantilization, instead treating the elderly with the dignity and respect they deserve. Many older individuals may revert to memories of their mid-twenties, and clowns must adapt to these perceptions.
Rather than simply performing, clowns engage the elderly by presenting themselves as family members in need of guidance, allowing the elderly to become mentors. This dynamic fosters a unique form of interaction, where real emotions and past cultural references shape the experience.
Clowning as Improvisation
Clowning in care homes mirrors theatrical improvisation, where performers build stories based on audience suggestions. However, in this setting, the focus is on playfulness, connection, and imagination—often through non-verbal means. A profound question emerges: who is truly helping whom? Many elderly individuals have wisdom and experience that, when tapped into, reveal their continued capacity to teach and inspire.
Clowning and Dementia
For individuals with dementia, clowning offers a gateway to connection. Being present in the moment, experiencing awe, and engaging through music help bypass cognitive barriers. Clowns and dementia patients exist within confined spaces that may not cater to their needs, making non-verbal expression a vital form of communication.
Addressing Early-Onset Dementia
Early-onset dementia is on the rise, yet diagnosis often comes too late. Individuals feel as though they are disappearing, losing their sense of self. Clowning can bridge this gap by fostering alternative neuropathways, helping individuals reconnect with movement and voice. The practice is both caring and challenging, encouraging improvisation on emotional and physical levels to break routines and stimulate new ways of communicating.
Walking "Yes’s"
To conclude, clowns embrace failure and transformation, embodying a philosophy of constant learning and movement. Saying 'Yes' to everything is key! They act as ambassadors of connection, crossing cultural and generational boundaries. Just like travellers, they bring something new to each space they enter, fostering diplomacy through difference, failure, communication, and wonder.
To hear Patrick and Olivier's final thoughts in the Clownversation click here!
Patrick and Olivier are both speaking at Clownvergence in April 2025. To find out more about this visit https://www.clown-spirit.com/clownvergence
Comments