When It Hurts, Laugh Until You Cry
“A clown is more than a painted face. It’s a somatic storyteller,
a poetic fool, a mirror to the human soul. Clowning invites us to
laugh at life’s absurdity, feel more deeply, and see the world anew.“
THE STORY
In the US, clowns often evoke a frightening image. Rose, a queer and compassionate clown, follows a different
tradition—rooted in European clowning and passed down from her mentor Jango Edwards—a philosophy of
connection through laughter, aimed at saving even a single person in every audience. Tracing back to WWII
denazification efforts, this practice affirms humanity through authenticity and vulnerability. Rose herself
overcame trauma through clowning, and now she passes this magic on.
In the summer of 2025, ten students entered her six-week course “Fool School” in Michigan. At first hesitant,
they confront their inner walls, explore vulnerabilities, and face challenges through clowning. As the course
progresses, laughter becomes their bridge to connection, liberation, and healing. By the final showcase, each
student emerges transformed. As a new clown, ready to bring joy, light, and laughter to others.
THE PROJECT
We will follow the journey of this small group as they each dig deep into their personal experiences for self-discovery, truth-telling, healing and sharing playfully with others.
“Life altering. I now have a lens through which to look that keeps me grounded and in the moment and silly and fun and happy. Honestly this class has changed the way I interact with people.”
— Class Participant 2023
WHY IT MATTERS
A significant number of people in the U.S. struggle with depression, anxiety and disconnection. Many in LGBTQ and
immigrant communities are especially suffering and—in the shadow of Trump 2.0—some even feel they are being erased from American society.
Yet students in Rose’s class show up in ways that are brave, bold, and that serve as personal acts of resistance. Through clowning and humor, these individuals connect and find joy as their way forward. This story can provide light for those struggling in despair and darkness.
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