Part clown manual, part storytelling and part rant, The Clown Manifesto covers the experiences, philosophies and methods of the clown performer/director/teacher Nalleslavski (pseudonym of author P. Nalle Laanela). In this book, he reveals the insights he has gathered over nearly 20 years of performance and international research in the realm of physical comedy. Full of practical tools and useful advice.
My initial reason for borrowing this book from the library was just that I googled "books to read it you want to be a clown" so when I started reading it, I was worried that I was doing it as a bit and that I would quickly put the book down. However, it actually resonated with me?? I feel way more inspired than I expected and the described process of finding a specific clown persona and the way that it involves getting in touch with and embracing emotions sounded so freeing and human.
A great introduction to clowning that thoroughly explains the techniques and clears up any assumptions that the reader may have going in. It's pretty much exactly what it says on the back; part memoir, part manifesto and part instruction manual. It's written in a very accessible and clear way with well structured chapters and headings that keep to the point of what they are trying to say. It is also tell you step by step how to create a clown character and how to develop material to then create a solo. This book is a must read not only for anyone interested in clowning, either casually or from a performers perspective, but also anyone that has to address and audience or do public speaking of any kind. The techniques and philosophy that are discussed here, primarily about connecting with your audience, are just as relevant for teachers and businessmen as they are for actors and performers. Whatever your reason for picking up this book one thing is for sure; you are in for a damn good read.