About clowns : Lively lecture by Joanna Bassi

A late 19th century  Brothers Lumiere’s footage of her great grand father performing his clown act , prompted  Joanna to  commence a journey  through time and space in search of clowns  and their ever lasting role . Old timers or new comers , what have they in common ? and  what has been gained or lost on their path to mirth  throughout the ages …

A  touring clown herself for many years , Joanna Bassi  presents documents , artefacts, old posters and short films  in a lively lecture summarising the history and  the evolution of clowns in the occidental world .

Her circus and music hall family goes back many generations  involving practically all its members in the performing arts .

Hat donations welcome.