The Portland Experimental Theatre Ensemble's new show 'Aw, Hell' merges Dante's 'Inferno' with innovative clowning, steering clear of traditional clown stereotypes. Co-artistic directors Sascha Blocker and Emily Newton emphasize that clowning is a versatile performance art that goes beyond the circus image. They clarify that many forms of humor, including those found in classic comedy icons, feature clown-like elements without conforming to expected aesthetics. This performance art aims to engage audiences with laughter while redefining the concept of what it means to be a clown.
"I mean, I feel like we need laughter so badly. This is a style that blends a lot of different comedic techniques that you might recognize in whatever comedy, whether it's standup or sketch or improv."
"Often we see the work of clowning, and don't identify it as clown because they do not have the aesthetic, the outer look, that we associate with clowns."
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