When Laughter Meets Protest
“We are clowns because what else can one be in such a stupid world.” — CIRCA
Funny, but isn’t it deep?
In a world where serious issues seem to multiply daily, the Clandestine Insurgent Rebel Clown Army (CIRCA) has decided to take a different approach. Instead of getting bogged down by the weight of it all, they put on their colorful wigs, oversized shoes, and silly faces to spread joy and provoke thought.
CIRCA, an activist group known for its unconventional tactics, was active in Rampart during its period of activity. You remember, RampART was a self-managed social space located in the Whitechapel area of East London which we covered in our recent article: “Rampart: The Unbreakable Spirit Of The East”
I have come from Italy where clowns are thought just to entertain and offer free hugs. But it’s interesting to explore the CIRCA group which proved that the clowns in their colorful gowns can have the power to change.
The Clandestine Insurgent Rebel Clown Army (CIRCA) is a quirky and vibrant activist group that emerged in 2003 in London. Founded in response to U.S. President George W. Bush’s visit to the UK, CIRCA combines humor and clowning with political protest to challenge serious issues like war, corporate globalization, and social injustice.
Let’s travel back to November 2003 in London. You see a bunch of clowns marching through the streets to protest against U.S. President George W. Bush’s visit to the UK. They are juggling absurdities, and performing silly antics — all while making important statements about the world! It looks like they aim to “storm” Buckingham Palace.
Wait, what?
It was all planned to welcome Bush, with a playful twist.
They proved that humor could effectively challenge authority and raise awareness about serious issues like war and injustice.
CIRCA also participated in a variety of creative actions to raise awareness about important issues. Like, before the G8 Summit in 2005, they traveled across several UK cities in a biodiesel van, performing playful shows that included puppetry and performance art to spread their message about corporate greed and social justice. They even held “Big Shoe Camps” to train new members in their unique style of activism.
Instead of just holding signs, they engage the public with playful performances, turning protests into celebrations of creativity and joy. These “clownbattants” believe that laughter can be a powerful tool for change, proving that activism doesn’t always have to be serious. Their unique approach encourages everyone to join in the fun while standing up for what they believe in!
“We are rebels because we love life and happiness more than ‘revolution.’ Because no revolution is ever complete and rebellions continue forever.” — LM Bogad, co-founder of CIRCA
L.M. Bogad was the co-founder of the CIRCA. He is also a renowned performance artist, activist, and educator. He has developed innovative performance strategies that combine elements of clown, street theater, and political satire to challenge conventional notions of protest and engage audiences in a more playful and accessible manner. Beyond his work with CIRCA, Bogad is also a prolific writer. He has authored several books on the subject of artistic activism and has taught workshops and lectures around the world.
Remember? I told you in my previous articles that I am writing a book on RampART (I have no idea when it’s going to be published). During the research for my book, I was blown away when I found a recent article saying that CIRCA is still active! I had no idea they were still around. I’d always thought of them as a historical group.
In the end, Bogad! Are you listening? If you are, why don’t you have a coffee with me? You could have a treasure of knowledge and stories that would enrich my book.