We are well underway in the process of ‘Becoming Fools’!
Clowning is a performance art. It’s experiential. It’s theatre. And … it’s cathartic. Clowning can help these kids process their tragic stories and better understand their wounds. Clowning can also empower these kids to begin to communicate their stories non-verbally – in a way that crosses culture and language – so that we the audience can begin to understand their needs and respond. Both the clown and the audience have the opportunity to heal.
Classes are now in full swing every Tuesday and Thursday. In these training sessions, kids are learning and perfecting a variety of skills included in clowning and in theatrical performance. After each class the kids are tasked with specific skills and exercises to continue practicing at home. How fun it has been to watch the kids being creative, being silly, expressing themselves, and improving their skills!!
At times, it may seem that a theatrical performance at such a big scale may be a goal that is unachievable. But the kids involved in this project are extremely talented. And these kids are passionate about influencing people around them in a similar way that Italo inspired them.
“My dream is leaving the streets for good and being able to have myself a small business to have a training shop – workshops with makeup and stuff like that. And help people that are in need like I am need right now,” Byron says.
“That is part of my dream, to become an artist, a great artist like himself. I like to bring joy to people’s lives, and I like to see people laughing. My purpose is to bring joy and happiness to people, to bring a moment of joy to others, a moment of entertainment, a moment in which they can clear their minds,” Mefi shares.
The kids have been practicing skills like improvisation, vocal coordination and projection, facial expressions and exaggeration, stage directions, dramatization, the art of applying make-up and everything in between. All the while embracing a stronger understanding of self-confidence.
Throughout the process of preparing for the Becoming Fools Live Event, these kids are given a goal to work towards, something to practice and thus a very tangible way to see their skills and themselves grow.
We have a long road ahead of us, but the kids are enjoying the ride and so are we!!