Toronto Festival of Clowns

How do you feel about clowns? If the idea of confronting 100 of them in less than a week doesn't terrify you, you'll be pleased to hear that from May 31 to June 3 the seventh annual Toronto Festival of Clowns is running at Pia Bouman Studio Theatre (6 Noble Street, near Queen West and Dufferin).

In past years, the festival has presented the work of some of this city's preeminent clowns, including John Turner (Mump & Smoot), David S. Craig, Rick Roberts, Sue Morrison, Michelle Smith and Dean Gilmour. This year, a highlight will be a work by the renowned French Master Clown Teacher Philippe Gaulier, called La gnole de Tante Christine est imbuvable (Betcha Can't Stomach Auntie Christine's Rotgut – my translation). It's in the bouffon style, which means it'll most likely be uncomfortably confrontational... which, in the hands of someone who knows what they're doing, can be great.

Other performers – who will be working in a wide range of clown performance styles – include Christine Lesiak and Adam Keefe from Edmonton, and Torontonians Phil Luzi, Foo, and Morro & Jasp. A full schedule and ticket information are available at Toronto Festival of Clowns.

Photo credit: Kathleen Finlay Photography.