The art of clowning spreads into different possibilities. It can be found in places of social exclusion, bringing laughter to those in vulnerable situations. These actions are performed in the streets, at traffic lights and in hospitals.

In this panel, clowns Andréa Macera, Ronaldo Aguiar and Tiago Munhoz, who act in these various places, discuss how the work of the circus performer can be a tool to transform lives.

“The clown mask is very powerful, it has a social role, it improves a person’s health in the most intimate, deepest sense,” says Andréa, who takes her clowning to the street population of the Cracolândia region in downtown São Paulo. “You’re not there to save anyone from hunger, from the cold, but you help these individuals to bear the pain.”

Director and stilt artist Mafalda Pequenino mediates the debate, which is presented by Amanda Silva, from Sesc Birigui’s Programming sector.

Andréa Macera is an actress and clown. For over 20 years she has performed as the clown Mafalda Mafalda. She developed most of her studies with Grupo LUME and with Canadian clown-master Sue Morrison. She is the creator of the Escola de Palhaças (Female Clown School).

Arilson Lopes is an actor and clown. Since 2006, he is part of the cast of Doutores da Alegria, a NGO that takes the circus art to the field of health and social assistance. He also works as artistic coordinator of the organisation’s Recife unit. At the hospital, he is the sillinesstologist Dr. Ado.

Tiago Munhoz is a street clown, performing as the character Custipil de Pinóti. He is part of the group Rosa dos Ventos and the collective Galpão da Lua. He has acted in shows such as “Saltimbembe Mambembancos”, “Fuzurufafa Bafafazuru” and “A Farsa do Advogado Pathelin” (The Pathelin Lawyer’s Farce).

Mafalda Pequenino is an actress and the assistant director of the Grande Cia Brasileira de Mystérios e Novidades; the coordinator, choreographer and artistic director of the stilts of Orun in the afro-group Ilú Obá de Min; director of the Núcleo Catappum of Black Clowning; and presenter of the children’s programme “Quintal da Cultura” (Cultural Backyard), from TV Cultura channel.

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