clownswithoutborders.org

CWBSA has established successful links with Woza Moya and has followed their support by organising a show to be done in schools within the area. The shows held at its core the intentions to create joy, laughter and happiness. It also aimed to promote activities that inspire creativity and action. After a week of rehearsals, the creation of a 1 hour circus show including hilarious clowning, juggling, magic cigar boxes, tricky sticks, break dance, acrobatics and tumbling was choreographed to music which was used during the rural tour.

Most days, I couldn’t wait to perform for the kids. I’d wake up so excited to do the show that I would be ready an hour early and have to sit around in my striped socks and goofy glasses saying, “is it time yet?”. What a clown nerd. Oh, and I finally got my clown a dress. Jamie says it makes my clown look more gentle. Which is good because my clown is kinda punchy. Also we’ve managed to work my bad magic in! Now it’s not embarrassing, it’s funny. – Alice Nelson

“It brings tears of joy to my eyes to see the work that you are doing. There are only two things you can give a child that no one can take away and those are memories and education. You do both. To teach a child how to make others laugh while laughing himself must be one of the greatest gifts you can give. I am so proud to be associated with Clowns Without Borders!” – Kathy Poulter, Director of Makaphutu Children’s Village in Kwazulu/Natal, South Africa

Gracie steps on the stage with a shy smile displaying a gap between her front teeth. She shakes hands with a clown who presents a shiny, brass taxi horn instead of his hand. “Honk! Honk!” She jumps back in surprise as the crowd roars with laughter. After a series of magic tricks and acrobatics, she finds herself standing on the clown’s shoulders to wild applause. Beaming with confidence and achievement, she returns to her friends in the audience with a red nose clutched tightly in her hand. An orphan living with HIV/AIDS at Beautiful Gate Children’s Home in Crossroads, South Africa.