"War and Play: A Clown Odyssey of Survival" at Philly Fringe 2024

Schedule

Tue Sep 24 2024 at 08:00 pm to Wed Sep 25 2024 at 09:00 pm

Location

MAAS Studio 1320 N 5th St, Philadelphia, PA | Philadelphia, PA

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Tickets: https://phillyfringe.org/events/war-and-play-a-clown-odyssey-of-survival/
Join us for a poignant and playful journey through the realities of war, displacement, and queer love.
"War and Play" follows the story of Vira and Nadiya, a queer clown couple whose peaceful world is shattered by Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. A third clown embodies various characters one would meet during wartime - a street performer, a soldier, an aid worker, and a new friend named Lubo - adding depth and perspective to this emotional odyssey. Together, they bring the audience on a journey ranging from fanciful optimism to wrenching grief, showcasing the power of clowning to grapple with the most significant human experiences.
Fresh from acclaimed runs at Lincoln Center and PhysFestNYC, this interactive show promises to move, challenge, and inspire.
Critics have praised its unique approach:
"The three colorfully-garbed performers in the show, none of whom spoke, were skilled at, well, clowning around: tap-dancing, playing the accordion, putting on red noses... In the most memorable scene in the hour-long play, Vira and Nadiya had lured members of the audience to join them in a spontaneous promenade, a kind of conga line — only to be confronted by Iwasa as a stern Russian soldier – which made the situation feel more menacing." - Jonathan Mandell, New York Theater
"Watching the clowns search for missing friends, scurry from one temporary safe place to the next, and try to maintain some small sense of joy amidst the destruction, I feel ill over how little I've even heard about Ukraine lately, even though it's still on fire..." - Sara Holdren, Vulture
Don't miss this unique theatrical experience that taps into the vulnerability and joy of clowning to celebrate the resilience of the human spirit.
Dates:
Tuesday, September 24, 2024 at 8:00 PM
Wednesday, September 25, 2024 at 5:00 PM
Venue: MAAS Studio, 1320 N 5th St, Philadelphia
Tickets: https://phillyfringe.org/events/war-and-play-a-clown-odyssey-of-survival/
Created by Danielle Levsky
Performed by Danielle Levsky, Mariko Iwasa, and Ania Upstill
Originally devised by Danielle Levsky, Ania Upstill, Lex Alston, and SMJ
Directed by SMJ
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Where is it happening?

MAAS Studio 1320 N 5th St, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Event Location & Nearby Stays:

Ella the Clown

Host or Publisher Ella the Clown

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