Laugh it up

CLOWNING is serious business — make no mistake about it. More than 500 clowns from Latin America were in Mexico’s capital this week to enter competitions, exchange experiences and hold workshops to brush up on their clown techniques and learn new tricks. Wearing oversize shoes, colourful wigs and red noses, the clowns lined up to register on the first day of the 17th International Clown Convention at a theatre in Mexico City. During the four-day event, the clowns competed in best makeup, improvisation, best group show, juggling and, of course, best balloon shaping. The event’s main sponsor was a balloon manufacturer. Tomas Morales, whose stage name is Payaso Llantom, said the goal of the convention is to professionalise clowns in Latin America and highlight the need for a School of Clown Arts in Mexico.