Rebel Clowns is a cooperatively-run and open group that gives people the freedom to be ridiculous. Following on from my Masters research that explored the meeting point of clowning and resistance I ran workshops at the Extinction Rebellion Summer Uprising in July 2019 and subsequent weekly workshops. These explored the fundamentals of clowning for street theatre and protest. The Rebel Clowns came together organically after these sessions. We formed a collective out of individuals who wanted to explore clowning as a form of creative protest.

Clowns appear throughout history and across cultures, as the fool, the buffoon, the idiot but always holding truth and authenticity at its core. It is from this unique position in society that the clown can critique and disrupt the status quo. The form allows participants the chance to explore political, social and environmental issues through participation, parody and humour and it releases the subversive power of play within each individual.

Sometimes the Rebel Clowns are let loose on the world and take games and performances to the high street, airport or protests. Here participants learn how to perform, interact with public, improvise in new environments while sharing their particular message or theme with the world. Already the Rebel Clowns have created performances about grief and healing, consumerism and rising sea levels which have been taken to the streets of Bristol.

The Rebel Clowns Collective are beyond monetary transactions and the workshops are always free to attend. There is a real mix of experience in the group, from baby clowns to doctor clowns to silly people who want to make noises and jump around. Anyone with a rebellious, childlike spirit who likes to play will enjoy a session. Clowning transcends language, age, gender, culture and physical ability. Everyone can play and be funny and we aim to be as open and accessible to as many people as possible.