The Trickster Laboratory

Accepting and learning from failure is surely one of the great lessons of clowns and so 17 years later some of the original founders of C.I.R.C.A together with the founder of Bristol Rebel Clowns, have decided to set up a new experiment, to critically reflect on the past history and methodologies of C.I.R.C.A in order to develop new forms of rebel clowning.
This September, 22 activists and clowns joined us in Bristol to plot and play, reflect and invent ways to merge the deep power of the clown with the forces of resistance. We aimed to invent forms of action that are both effective in the streets and healing on our inner body-minds.
The research continues as we explore new methodologies for direct action to be tested at the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow.

between clowning + activism: a trickster laboratory at COP26

A 10 day research project developing new methodologies of clowning and activism to be tested in public space in Glasgow as part of COP26. Jay Jordan founder of Clandestine Insurgent Rebel Clown Army (C.I.R.C.A) and Robyn Hambrook (Bristol Rebel Clowns, The Online Clown Academy) invite applications from clowns and physical performers interested in clowning as a form of political expression to join them in their continued research on the edge of clowning and activism.
ABOUT ME

I am a performance artist, director, teacher and producer based in Bristol in the UK. With over twenty years’ experience, my passion lies in clowning, physical theatre, circus and street arts. Participation has formed the centre for my work, whether by involving community & artists in the creative process or creating work that asks the audience to become involved. I enjoy the power of the arts to inspire and for people to be active participants in theatre, empowering them to realise their own creative potential.

My skills are many and varied and span arts and event management, production, design, teaching and performance. I am proficient in marketing, PR and business development, with skills in administration, web design and office management. My project management skills incorporate planning, budgeting, tour management & reporting. I am also a teacher, choreographer and director of dance, physical theatre and circus.

My portfolio of work has taken place across the globe, from New Zealand and Australia to the UK and Europe, from Central and South America to the islands of the Pacific.