clownarchy clownarchist clown activist comedy activism humor anti-bush peace activists million clown march clown gags clown photos
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clownarchy clownarchist clown activist comedy activism humor anti-bush peace activists million clown march clown gags clown photos |
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GAG: This is a one-person costume that looks like 2 people: A man bent over at the waist, holding a cage (prison) on his back with a prisoner inside. A sign on the top reads 'Guantanamo Bay'. Inside a clown with Duct tape over his mouth, trying to scream, and pointing desperately to a copy of the Geneva Convention in his hand.
If the clown wants to perform more, you can forego the duct tape, and talk to people: "The good news is I haven't been charged with any crime. The bad news is, I've been in here 2 years, please call my family, and tell them I' okay!" -- (or make up your own script)
To add in other clowns to the routine, have other clowns waltzing with no music, reading newspapers, doing various mundane things in the area where the prisoner is trying to get their attention. They completely ignore him, or even gently push him away, without acknowledging him.
PROPS: Costume, consisting of Cage, Fake torso and head connected to the underneath side of the cage with the visible part of the arms marked 'ASHCROFT', fake legs inside the cage. Guantanamo Signs around the top.
The cage we cut out of a cardboard moving box (wardrobe size box), with very thin plywood wired onto the back wall (solid, not bars on the back wall) for support.
Pants matching the fake torso under the cage. Shirt, coat or shawl matching the prisoner's legs. Papers marked in BIG LETTERS: GENEVA CONVENTION Several pieces of specially prepared 'Duct Tape' to cover the occupants mouth.
The costume must be supported on a frame attached to the artist. A wide belt can be enough to support the entire costume on the clown. We initially built this with a backpack frame, but found we didn't need the shoulder straps. If you use a frame, it must be hidden, either drape it with extra cloth, or the costume itself. This will often black out the back wall. That's okay.
It should be just wider than shoulder width, and the hole in the floor for the performers body to go through should be towards the back wall of the 'prison'. Keep it minimal in size. Coming just far enough forward for the legs. Ashcrofts head can come slightly forward of the cage, looking at the floor. A baseball cap means you don't have to worry about hair.
We put lettering on the baseball cap so that it reads 'Fatherland Security'
Keep it as lightweight as possible!
Don't put in too many bars. It just needs to suggest a prison, not actually secure anyone.
Duct Tape 5" long pieces can be made much more comfortable to wear and remove by pulling it on and off the roll of tape 10 times before tearing it off. This will remove much of it's stickiness.
Prisoner should act like he's being carried around against his will, as that is how it will look. He's a desperate man, trying to get anyone's attention & pointing desperately at the documents in his hand.. Making as much noise as he can with his shut mouth.
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