CLOWNS @ PLAY does not have a cohesive dramatic structure. There is no plot as such, no story and no well-rounded character. What is there in abundance though is light, colour and a lot of fun that appeals to little children. In the vein of Public Service Advertisements, the play is composed of sequences that give out social messages. These messages are conveyed with much singing and dancing making CLOWNS@PLAY part musical, and part circus-show.
Loosely the play is about a group of whining children who do not like playing outdoors because "everywhere is horrible" and "everyone is terrible". This changes though when the group of kids stumble across a group of clowns who take it upon themselves to cheer them up.
Some word play follows after which we are introduced to a plethora of anti-social characters- Miss Thukmaare, Boom Boom Noisy Boy, Miss Shorbharee and a littering couple. They pollute the environment and must be trained against doing so. All conflicts are resolved in the same way. The troublemakers are frozen by clown Flubber into a freeze. A magical spell is cast upon them, they learn their lesson, ask forgiveness, and are redeemed. Consequently the outdoors are clean, the world is a beautiful place and the group of children are willing to go out and play. This kind of simplicity makes it very easy for children to follow the play. They enjoy joining the actors while casting magical spells, screaming out their names and responding to the clowns.
The songs are simple; there is nothing special about them but the sequences are well choreographed. Costumes and make-up are vibrant and colourful. Overall, the play is reminiscent of skits one saw at an annual day in school. Towards the end there is a magic-show and a celebratory dance. Given the dearth of circus shows, CLOWNS @ PLAY is a treat for children who can enjoy its acts and antics, the jokes and the jugglery, the music and its magic while learning to keep our environment clean.
*Asma Ladha holds a Master's degree in English Literature and Applied Linguistics. She is an applied linguist, a freelance critic, a research student and a poet.
List Your Play