[Reellife] A Clown Show for Everyone in Today's Modern World

[dave olsen]

Cucci & Cabana <http://cuccicabana.com/> is a brand new physical comedy that 
looks hilarious.  The two clown show is all about civilized folks obsession with 
body image and I got to see a preview video that got me laughing as soon as it 
started.  It is an independent production and will be performed by Joey 
Lesperance and Emily Leclerc in French and Franglais (with English Surtitles).

It plays at Studio 16 <http://cuccicabana.bpt.me/> from May 2nd to 11th, 2013.

I had the opportunity to speak with Joey Lesperance recently about his latest 
stage creation:

Reellife: What exactly is Cucci & Cabana <http://cuccicabana.com/>?

Joey Lesperance: Cucci & Cabana <http://cuccicabana.com/> is a theatrical clown 
show; we watch two clowns struggling with their body image.

We are using our own experiences to explore society's obsession with body image; 
I'm an aging man watching my own reaction and resistance to aging.  I see myself 
trying to hold on to youth and beauty.

We live in a world that is full of goodies...tummy tucks, anus bleaching, teeth 
whitening, lipo-suction, implants of any kind and anywhere!

RL: How did Cucci & Cabana <http://cuccicabana.com/> begin and how has it evolved?
JL: This show was born when Emelie and I met; I had been writing a clown show 
about body image and then we did two workshops to develop it.  Allison Kelly 
joined our team as Director and we are now preparing for our opening night on 
May 3rd.

RL: You're an actor.  What inspired you to write a play?
JL: First of all, the subject has interested me for 6 or 7 years.  I had 
envisioned a solo show until Emelie became involved.  Allison has also brought 
her experience and the show is now a truly collective effort.

I was initially inspired after my brother's passing; he died quite young.  It's 
something that I always wanted to do and his untimely death inspired me to get 
what I wanted to do done.

I wanted to create my own work and see where it would take me.  Now we're 
producing, I'm doing costumes, rehearsals...it's really about creating a 
complete show from scratch.

Thankfully, we've had overwhelming support; it's a community that's putting on 
this show.

RL: Why did you choose to make this a clown show?
JL: Because clowns have the permission to go wherever they want. Clowns are 
allowed to go to absurd lengths; they provide an excellent reflection of people 
who want to hold onto youth and beauty as long as they can.

In this show, we go into their world...their obsession is quite unique.

RL: How long have you been a clown?
JL: Oh my god, I'm pushing 30 years!  28 years.

RL: How did you start clowning?

JL: I was looking for a job in downtown Montréal and I was desperate to take 
anything.  I saw a sign in a balloon shop that said "Help Wanted."  I met my 
dear friend Carole; she was working there.  I had a broken heart and my life was 
a mess.  She said they needed a clown for deliveries.  I said it won't work, see 
you later.  Carole persisted: "Do you want to give it a try?"  I had never 
tried.  The owner showed me how to make a dog and a flower out of balloons and 
the next day, I put on the costume they gave me and had so much fun...it was a 
total trip and the rest is history.

Clowning just happened to me.

RL: How does this show compare to your previous shows?
JL: I've had very little opportunity to do clown and theatre together.  I've 
done roving clowning characters, but only once have I played a clown on stage.

For me, the big difference is the opportunity to marry two arts that I am 
passionate about: theatre and clowning.

RL: Can non-French speakers enjoy this show?
JL: Oh yes, and I'll tell you why: a lot is physical theatre that anyone can 
enjoy.  Another character is also bilingual: English trying to speak French.  
And we have English surtitles just like in the Opera.  In fact, we are expecting 
lots of non-French speakers in the audience!

Cucci & Cabana <http://cuccicabana.com/> is playing at Studio 16 
<http://maps.google.com/maps?z=16&q=1555,+7th+ave+w+vancouver,+bc+v6j+1s1> 
(1555, West 7th Ave near South Granville in Vancouver).

May 2nd is a preview night; May 3rd is Opening Night and runs until May 11th, 
(no shows on May 5-6).

All shows at are 8pm sharp.

I can hardly wait...à bientöt!
-- 

Warmly,
dave/
//
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Parents-to-be: for info and session dates, please visit/ 
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Movie and Theatre lovers who know a saner world is possible may enjoying reading 
and sharing their thoughts on Reel Life, Real Ideas: Movies and more... 
<http://reellife.wordpress.com/>

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killed; at 50 km/h (30mph) s/he has a 45 per cent chance of being killed, while 
at 30 km/h (20mph) the risk falls to 5 per cent. Source: British Parliamentary 
Advisory Council on Transport Safety (1996) //_Taking Action on Speeding_//

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