Clown Show

EUROPEAN PREMIERE

Roll up, roll up for theatre-maker Geoff Sobelle’s contemporary portrait of America as a falling-apart circus.

Geoff Sobelle and his troupe of clowns have set up their 'beautiful big top' in the wreckage of America. The acrobats and the jugglers have long since left, leaving the clowns to run the show. Sobelle returns to the International Festival following his immersive, surprising productions, FOOD (2023) and HOME (2018).

Part-clown, part-magician, Sobelle creates hilarious and poignant work, whose impact can be ‘as disturbing as it is beautiful’ (The Scotsman). This time, Sobelle is joined by an army of clowns holding it together as best they can, performing the original score on questionable instruments.

Together, they invite you into a crumbling empire to witness the greatest show on earth before it disappears completely. It may be the USA’s 250th birthday this year, but Sobelle asks if the American Dream is better described as a deal with the devil.

0 Stars
super-slick staging, physicality and sleight of hand
The Herald on Geoff Sobelle's FOOD (2023)

Post-Show Talks

Supported by Sir Ewan and Lady Brown

Programme

Mostly non-verbal, with some spoken and sung English

Cast & Credits

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Geoff Sobelle, Jenn Kidwell, Nikki Calonge, Sophie Bortolussi, Elvis Perkins, Gideon Irving, Leo Gurevich, Mike Dobson, Domenica Fossati & Jen Anaya

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Geoff Sobelle
Creator & Director
Maruti Evans
Set & Lighting Designer
Tei Blow
Sound Designer
Suzanne Bocanegra
Costume Designer
Jecca Barry
Creative Producer
Mike Dobson
Music Director
Elvis Perkins, Mike Dobson, Leo Gurevich & Gideon Irving
Original Music
Thomas Jenkeleit
Prop Designer
Brian Freeland
Production Manager
Chris Swetcky
Technical Director
Lisa McGinn
Production Stage Manager
Kelsey Vivian
Assistant Stage Manager

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Commissioned by Edinburgh International Festival.
Additional commissioning support provided by Stanford University, PS21 Chatham, Arizona State University -- Gammage, Stanley Kim, Diane Max, Laurie Oki, and Garth Patil. Developmental support provided by Brooklyn Academy of Music, Monira Foundation/MANA Contemporary, and PS21 Chatham.