Written by Hannah Gaff, updated by Maggie Cunha
So, you want to be a bit more clown? Valentine’s Day is a great day to practice your skills with the children (and adults!) in your life.
In the following post, Hannah Gaff, a seasoned CWB artist, recounts how a courageous girl from Lebanon introduces a delightful game. You’ll love hearing how Hannah responded.
Read to the end for downloadable “I Love You” game tips. (Happy V-Day from CWB!)
Keeping Watch is Key to Clowning
When I clown in the hospital or on the streets, I listen for the game — the gateway to making a vibrant connection with other humans.
I offer myself as an object of play and look to them to see what brings a spark to their eye, a change in their breath, or a giggle.
Sometimes we communicate with words, conversation, stories, or witty jokes. But often the play is non-verbal and we communicate simply through body language, emotion, and eye contact.
Being a Clown Can Start with a Game of Copy-Cat
One day in Northern Lebanon (2018), fellow CWB artists and I performed three shows in the Akkar District near the Syrian border. It stormed all morning, resulting in an impromptu performance at a school where kids could take a dry seat.
As we began packing up our props after the show, one bold little girl ran up to me and threw her arms around my waist, squeezing tightly. I knelt and squeezed back. When I stood back up, she grabbed onto my arm and dragged me to the schoolyard.
Suddenly, three more girls materialized and we started a game of copy-cat: I performed a silly movement, and they repeated it.
The bold girl stayed with her arms wrapped around my waist, smiling and laughing up at me. Soon, ten more girls and a few boys gathered. We came up with a little song and dance, full of laughter and play.
“I Love You”: A Game to Change the World
The other clowns had finished packing and loading the vans. It was time to go. I told the kids goodbye and thank you in Arabic, but the little girl kept holding on.
When I knelt to give her a hug, she kissed me on the cheek and said, in clear English, “I love you!”
I was a little surprised, and before I could respond, she says again, more emphatically, “I. Love. You!” and squeezes me even tighter. I responded with, “I love you,” and blew her a kiss. She repeats the game, and this time the kiss she throws is so powerful it knocks me backward!
Now the other kids join in on the game!
I say, “I love you!” and blow a kiss that they all catch. Then they yell, “I LOVE YOU!” and all blow kisses that knock me backward.
This continues until I’m cornered against the van. My little friend grabs my arm, pulls me down, and wraps her arms around me for one last hug and kiss on the cheek.
I wave from the window, “I love you,” and blow one last kiss that she catches and holds to her cheek. As the van pulls away, the kids chase us down the street, blowing kisses and laughing.
This one tiny heart came up with a game that could change the world: The I LOVE YOU game.
Breaking Down How to Be a Clown
So you want to incorporate more play in your days, not just Valentine’s Day? Download these game tips, (which can serve as your cell phone wallpaper) for a gentle clown-ish nudge each day.
Just click on the image and download it!
The post Can You Be a Clown? Play the “I Love You” Game This Valentine’s Day appeared first on Clowns Without Borders USA.
This post was originally published on Clowns Without Borders USA.