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250 Years of America: A Clown's Nihilistic Take
28 Aug
Summary
- A clown show commemorates the 250th anniversary of American independence.
- The performance shifts from joyful discovery to nihilistic excess.
- It features acts like a human cannonball and a wild west routine.
Geoff Sobelle's "Clown Show" marks the 250th anniversary of American independence with a performance that begins with motley clowns finding joy in their big top. The show blends traditional circus acts, including musical skits and sight gags, with themes of Americana and the American dream, such as a wild west routine and a human cannonball.
Initially characterized by innocence and a search for approval, the clowns' antics gradually shift. What starts as knockabout humor and platitudes about collective effort devolves into nihilistic excess. The performance progresses from the joy of discovery to depict a planet in peril, concluding with a commentary that includes ICE agents.
