Clown show "The Speech"
presented by The Academy of Advanced Laughter
directed by Lee Delong, written by Lee Delong & Ralf Wetzel
"This performance moved me to tears.
We should be using art to address the corporate challenges we are facing.
Everything goes easier when singing, dancing and acting in these complicated times."
Gabrielle de la Croix, Business Development Officer at Cigna Europe
with Ralf Wetzel als Professor Doktor, Tina Davidson as Dolly, Martine Polen as The Dance Captain and the gang o'clowns: Tom Maes, Tristan Barber, Maruska Fontaine, Laurence Dewaele, Kenne d'Hoker & Joe Horwood
Stage Management: Abbie Moore
"The Speech" is clown show in three scenes. The renowned keynote speaker "Professor Doktor" arrives late to the podium after Dolly and her gang o’clowns welcome him with a big opening song and dance number. While Professor Doktor tries desperately to begin his speech, he can’t get a word out. Dolly and the clowns give as much encouragement as anyone could want, but it only serves to make Professor Doktor more nervous.
setting the stage for the speech
Dolly & her clown gang
"The Speech" is a hilarious rendition of the torment every public speaker experiences. Lee Delong, the co-writer and director of the show, cleverly highlights the booby traps and curveballs that defy the average person who steps in front of an audience.
Professor Doktor tries his best ...
... and struggles.
Ralf Wetzel explores the myriad feelings that surge when on stage with stage fright, and comically tries to save face. Tina Davidson sings her way into our hearts with her dulcet tones. The Dance Captain, Martine Polen, keeps the Clown Chorus in choreographic line, and fellow clowns Maruska Fontaine, Tom Maes, Tristan Barber, Laurence Dewaele and Joe Horwood and Kenne d'Hoker steal the show from Professor Doktor and Dolly in their hopeless efforts to save the show.
"The Speech" is a joyful reminder of the treasure that awaits us if we explore failure rather than avoid it. The show uses rousing song and dance to open a space of quiet, truthful reflection on competition, failure, and success in the modern world, where to be the best is not necessarily the best.