Clowns Without Borders

“You came all the way here for us?” This was the sentiment heard over and over at clown shows for earthquake survivors just six weeks after disaster struck Turkey and Syria. From March 22 – 28th, Clowns Without Borders (CWB)-USA brought comedy, music, and color to children, parents, grandparents, and aunts and uncles who had lost so much. Communities who had been seeing rubble and smelling death for a month met our artists with a mixture of curiosity and anticipation. Clown parades, limbo games, and plate spinning shifted the crowd’s mood. People experienced: respite from trauma, a reminder that they’re still able to feel joy, and a reminder that they’re loved by strangers. For many communities, this was the first time anyone attended to their well-being beyond shelter, food, and water. Akara was there when the earthquake hit. A young English teacher in Kahramanmaras, Turkey, she saw buildings collapse and heard the cries of people who’d lost loved ones. But six weeks after the quake, Akara heard a new sound. She heard children’s excitement and overheard one tell another, “They’re foreigners from very far away here to play with us.” Kids’ expressions transformed into awe as they met their first clown. The clowns didn’t use props so kids could tap into their imagination. No one wanted the magic to end.✨🎪 Akara said, “This is so important for the children. Please come back.”