‘Old Clown Wanted’ play (Photo – Enci Box).
Written by Matei Visniec, adapted/translated by Jeremy Lawrence, and directed by Florinel Fatulescu, “Old Clown Wanted” was somewhat inspired by Fellini’s “The Clowns.”
By Carol Edger Germain
Three past-their-prime clowns determined to stake a claim to relevance and respect are inspired to give it another go when they answer a classified ad with the heading “Old Clown Wanted.” The three – Niccolo (Alan Abelew), Filippo (Jose A. Garcia), and Peppina (Beth Hogan) – all show up for the interview in their well-worn clown suits and at first are delighted to reconnect with each other, as they quickly realize they worked together many years ago and they relive and recreate some of those moments. However, eventually they realize they are all in the same situation, desperately wanting the one job available, and they launch into the whole gamut of competitive tricks, entertaining us but still trying to joke their friends out of the running for the job.
We are treated to all their circus-like antics – singing, balloons, miming, magic tricks, and slapstick comedy, etc., although the undertone of desperation is always there, and tension builds as they wait for the interviewer, who has not yet arrived and unlocked the door.
My advice is to roll with the clowns and not try to get ahead of the story, as it will all come together for the perfect ending. I found myself wondering where it was going occasionally but then relishing the conclusion.
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