Clowning as Universal Language

In my current hotel room, there are 130 television channels. All but one of them is in a language other than English. The one English-Language channel is all news, all the time. So, as you can imagine, it takes a while for me to settle on a channel I can convince myself is actually a productive thing to watch (why must I always be productive, even in my relaxation?).

Somewhere around channel 73 I found a rebroadcast of a Cirque Du Soleil style circus. Some things are universal and don't require language; a person so flexible they essentially turn themselves inside out will be compelling no matter where you're from. Then came the clowns - totally universal, totally understandable, all of it accomplished through a very clear articulation of their emotional state. Or as some might describe it: hammy acting.

As I was treating myself with a little retail therapy (Price in Yuan * 0.15 = Price in Dollars) I found myself doing clown-style pantomime in order to articulate my thoughts. "Yes, yes, the Jacket is nice. But it is expensive and I don't need it. Whereas I do need the pants. Also, you gave me a good deal on the pants, but it is clear you are trying to screw me on the jacket. A matching pair is not so important to me. I will just go. Oh, a good deal? Well then, I would be more than happy to buy the jacket. Thank you." Of this stream of consciousness, only the last phrase was vocalized as Xia Xia (sp?).

While there may not be a place for clown acting in most films, nor theater, there is a place for it: haggling in a foreign language. After I'd leave, I'd hear anyone who had seen the exchange say "Wai-low" and then laugh. Directly translated Wai-low means something like "white devil", but I've been assured it's not a bad thing.

But those sparks of laughter are a wonderful thing. The following is a quote from the Pi Clowns' website:

We believe that laughter has the ability to strengthen communities and heal the individual. As the Dali Lama stated, The best way I can describe enlightenment is spontaneous laughter.

I'll leave you with a little video from Pi Clowns - some friends of mine in SF who formed a clowning troupe after college. They're having a great time and making fun and funny theater.