Björn DAHLMAN, Swedish clown and member of Clowns Without Borders, discusses topics such as the impact of a red clown nose on their voice, their journey from Shanghai to practicing Tai Chi on Wudang mountain, the negative perceptions of clowns, the affordability of magic tricks in China, and their experiences learning Chinese and pursuing comedy.
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Quick takeaways
Laughter is a powerful tool to connect with others and challenge dehumanization in modern society.
Clowning can bridge cultural and language barriers, bringing joy and hope to underprivileged children in difficult circumstances.
Deep dives
The Power of Clowning and Laughter
Björn Dalmund, a Swedish clown, discusses his experience working as a clown in China and its impact on people's lives. He highlights the importance of laughter as a way to connect with others and battle the dehumanizing aspects of modern society. Björn shares his journey of discovering clowning and the transformative power it holds. He emphasizes the philosophy of presence and embracing mistakes, as well as the challenges and cultural barriers he faces in China. Despite these challenges, Björn's passion for clowning and the joy it brings to others is evident throughout the interview.
The Joy of Connecting through Clowning
Björn Dalmund shares stories of performing clown shows for underprivileged children in India and China through Clowns Without Borders. He discusses the profound impact laughter can have on children living in difficult circumstances, and how clowning can bridge cultural and language barriers. Björn's experiences highlight the universality of laughter and the power of human connection to bring joy and hope to those in need.
Discovering Clowning in China
Björn Dalmund describes his journey of falling in love with China and discovering his passion for clowning. He recounts how his interest in Chinese martial arts and Taoism led him to the Shaolin and Wudang mountains, where he trained and discovered the art of clowning. He also shares his experiences teaching clowning in China and the challenges of breaking cultural barriers and encouraging self-expression and spontaneity.
Preserving the Essence of Clowning in China
Björn Dalmund discusses the challenges and misconceptions surrounding clowning in China. He explains how the traditional concept of the villainous clown clashes with the philosophy of clowning as a celebration of mistakes and authenticity. Björn also touches on the importance of respecting personal space and consent in clowning performances. Despite these challenges, he remains dedicated to spreading laughter and joy through his shows and workshops in China.