Clowning's Cultural Resurgence Explored in New Anthology and Performances

The cultural revival of clowning is transcending its traditional role in children's entertainment. Next month, Dopamine Books, in collaboration with Semiotext(e), will publish 'Clowns,' an anthology curated by Michelle Tea. This collection features oral histories, illustrated memoirs, cultural critiques, and whimsical poems. Tea characterizes clowns as symbols of abjection that resonate with queer communities. Among the contributions is Vivek Shreya's exploration of the 'trauma clown' archetype. Clown aesthetics are being embraced by performers like Alex Tatarsky, whose recent show 'Sad Boys in Harpy Land' took place at LA's Roy and Edna Disney CalArts Theater. Clown workshops are offered at the Elysian Theater, while Natalie Palamides and Courtney Pauruso showcase their talents on streaming platforms. Additionally, clowns are utilized by municipal authorities in Bogotá and Caracas for traffic control.