The Portland Experimental Theatre Ensemble (PETE) is set to present its newest show, Aw, Hell, which uniquely combines themes from Dante’s Inferno with the art of clowning.
Co-artistic directors Sascha Blocker and Emily Newton from CoHo Clown Cohort redefined the concept of clowning in a recent conversation.
Beyond the traditional image of jesters in polka-dot suits and oversized shoes, Blocker and Newton emphasize clowning as a sophisticated performance art that breaks free from narrow stereotypes and includes various comedic techniques.
Blocker pointed out that many viewers might be deterred from exploring clowning due to preconceived notions, especially the categorization of clowns into only circus, birthday, and scary types.
However, Aw, Hell defies these conventions, promising audiences a fresh perspective on the concept of clown without the typical associations of figures like Pennywise or Bozo.
Reflecting on the art form, Blocker affirmed, “These are all clowns, but we need laughter so badly, and clowning can be a source for that.”
Newton reinforced this idea, stating that audiences often fail to recognize clowning when they observe it because the performers might not fit the stereotypical visual representation of clowns.
She cited iconic comedic performances from Lucille Ball and Charlie Chaplin as quintessential examples of clowning, despite their lack of traditional clown aesthetics.
Blocker emphasized another core characteristic of clowns: their desire to be seen by the audience, creating a bond through shared experiences and emotions.
This connection fosters a space for poetic expressions, where performers invite audience interpretation through abstract gestures.
Both performers highlighted how they encourage inclusiveness in their work, aiming for a playful environment rather than strictly interactive experiences.
Their unique approach allows audiences to engage in the narrative through their interpretations of physical performances.
Newton shared how discovering this expressive form helped her embrace her body as a medium of communication, while Blocker expressed the liberation she found through collaborative artistic training during her MFA.
The two co-artistic directors aim to elevate the clowning performance style by embracing heightened character expression.
In Aw, Hell, audiences can expect exaggerated representations of emotions and characters, with performances aiming to challenge societal norms, such as a scene where Newton humorously pulls baked goods from her pants.
Directly stemming from Dante’s Inferno, the production leans into both the absurdities and the human experience, as it explores what it means to exist in today’s world.
Aw, Hell, directed by Jacob Coleman, stars Newton among an ensemble cast of talented PETE members.
Blocker serves in the capacity of clown dramaturg, bringing significant elements of clowning to the forefront of the production.
Their collaborative process and the tight-knit community at PETE foster strong connections among the performers and creative team.
Newton expressed her gratitude for the welcoming atmosphere within PETE, stating the camaraderie made it easier for her as a new performer to integrate.
Similarly, Blocker commended the openness and respect amongst PETE members while noting the playful dynamics, which even include children of the performers engaging in moments of lightheartedness during rehearsals.
Their recent work with students on a clown version of Dante’s Inferno highlights the exploration of individual perceptions of hell, echoing the theme of Aw, Hell.
The production aims to shine a light on relatable experiences of everyday hells, such as mundane bureaucratic annoyances.
Blocker and Newton echoed their mentor Philip Cuomo’s belief that everyone embodies the essence of a clown through our inherent imperfections and the humor found in life’s absurdities.
Aw, Hell is set to open on June 28, with previews beginning June 26 at Reed College Performing Arts Building.
Meanwhile, the Risk/Reward Festival of New Performance, curated by James Mapes at PICA, highlights emerging talent in the Pacific Northwest from June 20-22.
This year’s festival is expanding its offerings, showcasing dramatic and unique performances from local artists, which reflects an exciting trend in the regional theater scene.
Selected performances, including new works exploring identity, cultural histories, and queer narratives, emphasize the festival’s dedication to boundary-pushing art.
Hudson and Pepper Pepper, hosts of the Drag Theatre Workshop, are keen to support diverse drag artists by providing a platform for creative expression outside traditional nightlife settings.
In contrast to mainstream drag culture, which can often lead to shallow representations, this workshop cultivates meaningful engagement among participants and emphasizes artistic integrity and collaboration.
As they work to champion drag as an art form, Hudson and Pepper seek to combat misconceptions about the performance genre while highlighting its potential to invigorate theater itself.
Speakers at the festival, including notable playwrights Jen Silverman and Mike Lew, will share their insights and new works with audiences, making this an enriching experience for attendees.
With a range of performances covering comedy, immersive experiences, and physical theater, the festival seeks to capture the transformative spirit of contemporary performance art.
As both Aw, Hell and the Risk/Reward Festival open their doors to audiences, they represent the innovative and vibrant theatrical culture flourishing in Portland, reaffirming the importance of experimentation, laughter, and community in the arts.
image source from：https://www.orartswatch.org/dramawatch-beyond-bozo-other-clowns/
